The Majok touch: Roth praises Tassie's "father figure"

The Tasmania JackJumpers may have lost on Saturday night, but they also secured their spot in the post-season thanks to New Zealand’s loss.

Despite leading at the first change, Scott Roth’s side faded as the game continued against an in-form Phoenix side.

While Roth was proud of his whole team’s effort, he singled out out the performance of Majok Deng, who scored a career-high 36 points to go with 9 rebounds and 3 assists.

“My relationship with Majok is special, and he's one of my favourites of all-time, including NBA guys,” Roth said in Saturday’s post-game press conference.

“He's a father figure everyone should follow ... to see him have success, too, is a hell of a story. He’s a competitor who’s stepped up recently and is a great fit in our system.”

The sixth-placed JackJumpers now just have one regular-season game left against Illawarra before the Finals.

“My reaction [to making the post-season] is that it's business as usual for us, and we get ready for Wednesday after having a hell of a month,” he said.

“Our guys keep fighting and showing up, and have earned their way into the Finals.

“After the adversity our guys have gone through, the fight has been really good, and I congratulate them for making the Finals.

“In our environment, accountability is real, and our guys keep showing up, doing the right things [and have been rewarded for it].”

Tasmania’s Round 22 fixture with Illawarra tips off at 7.30pm AEDT on Wednesday night, live on ESPN.