THE week sixteen Men’s SBL Player of the Week has been awarded to Lewis Thomas of the Texture WA Perth Redbacks.

 

With a number of key Perth Redbacks players struck down with injury in recent weeks, Lewis Thomas needed to stand up and that is exactly what he did on Friday night against the Mandurah Magic.

The Redbacks went into Friday night’s game at Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre without starters Michael Vigor or Joel Wagner, before star import Jourdan DeMuynck went down injured during the game.

With assistance from fellow big Simon Lokan (23 points, 13 rebounds), Thomas couldn’t be stopped inside or outside as he knocked down six three’s on his way to a monster game of 40 points, 16 boards, 3 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks.

 

Thomas completely dominated the game at both ends of the floor and guided the Redbacks to a crucial 111-87 win over the Magic.

 

Redbacks head coach Nik Lackovic was full of praise for Lewis Thomas following the win,

“Under the circumstances that we are in as a team, he was amazing”

“With Vigor, Wagner both injured and Jourdan getting injured in this game he really stepped up with great leadership and put the team on his back tonight” Lackovic said.

 

The Redbacks are almost a lock to play finals this year as they currently sit in sixth position with 12 wins and 8 losses, three wins clear inside the top 8.

 

Thomas is currently averaging 16.7 points and 11.3 rebounds per game and will be a key factor in how far the Redbacks go this season.

Photo edit by Tom Atkinson (original by Clare Chappell)