Head coach John Lavery has rewarded his hard-working Cheshire Phoenix players with an extended festive break.

In-form Nix made it four wins on the spin at Durham Wildcats on Sunday night but are not back on the court until January 4.

Lavery has one of the smallest rosters in the BBL and his players are required to spend more time than most on the court.

He has been delighted with the workrate his side has been putting in and has decided to give them an extended Christmas holiday.

“We have given the guys 10 days off and a couple of them are heading home to the United States,” said Lavery.

“For what the guys have been putting on the court and the fact they have been going big minutes, the rest will do them well.

“It is good for them to be able to go back home and see their families and hopefully they will come back refreshed and ready to get back to it in the New Year.”

Phoenix are the form side in the BBL and have climbed up to eighth in the table.

Star trio Reggie Middleton, Victor Moses and Dominique Coleman combined for 82 points in the 99-88 win over Durham.

Nix were 11 ahead going into the final quarter but the Wildcats fought back to make it a one-point game before a late charge wrapped up the win for Lavery’s side.

“We were strong and we executed well down the stretch and I didn’t feel as if we were going to lose the game,” said the head coach, who credits team spirit as a key contributor to his side’s excellent run.

“The morale among the guys is really good and when you are in a winning programme and winning games it is easier to keep the guys motivated and focused.

“They are a really good bunch of guys and there no egos. They all work hard for each other and it is fantastic coaching them because they want to learn and they want to be successful.”

Nix return to action with on the road games against Birmingham Knights on January 4 and Plymouth University Raiders the following night.

Lavery said: “It is hard being on the road but we have won our last two road games so we know what we have to do.

“Birmingham are improving so that will be tough and Plymouth have a strong roster so they are both going to be tough games.

“We have just to continue doing what we are doing though.”