A fine balancing act for Kings ahead of semis
Written By
Wayne Cousins
The team faces an extra week off after finishing regular season champions.
The Sydney Kings are doing everything possible to ensure their finals preparation is spot on as they face a second consecutive week of not playing a match.
With the NBL finals tipping off on Wednesday night following last weekend's FIBA games, the Kings have found themselves in the unusual position of having an extra week off after finishing regular season champions.
The Kings now play the winner of Wednesday’s Seeding Qualifier in Melbourne between the South East Melbourne Phoenix and the Perth Wildcats.
Sydney will play the winner in the first of a three game semi-finals series at Qudos Bank Arena on Wednesday, March 11.
Kings Coach Brian Goorjian said despite the different schedule, there were plenty of positives to look at.
“(I’m glad we're not in) a straight knockout, which is really scary with the teams the way they are,’’ Goorjian said.
“You know, 10 losses, nine losses, 11, so there's not much between each team.
“A straight knockout is a nightmare, but then you get in this (first) position and how you handle the weight, the time in between games, I think, is going to have a big say if we win this or not.
“It’s about trying to balance rest, preparation, keep them excited and keep the energy going. There’s not a blueprint for it but we're definitely working to get it right.”
GET YOUR FINALS TICKETS TODAY. BANNERS AREN'T RAISED ALONE
Goorjian admitted to being unfazed as to who he prefers to play first up in the finals.
“Whoever it is, I want to end their season,’’ he stated.
“The way I feel about it is all four of them, or five of them, there's no one (where we feel) 'Well that team you've got their number or that team, we match up poorly'.
“It's just different challenges. It was a fiery game (against SEM) but we've had fiery games against Adelaide.
“We've had an overtime game and a one-point game with Melbourne, we lost to Tassie more than we beat them, the only team (where that is true).
“Every team presents its challenges. Whoever it is, I just feel comfortable that we've got what it takes. Bring it on.”
And as for the six-time championship winning coach himself, Goorjian admits he is looking forward to just relaxing and enjoying the showdown between the Phoenix and the Wildcats.
“Everybody will be tuned in because there's certainly an advantage to seeing who you're playing against, how they're playing, their style right now, and how they're approaching the playoffs,’’ he added.
“We've probably got a window now where we're preparing, taking concepts through three different teams, and it will get narrowed down, obviously to two and then one.
“Obviously, we will have the (game) taped, and then we will take pieces of it, show it to the team, go on the floor, and you know, that's an advantage as far as preparation (goes).
“This isn't my baggage, I'm not nervous, and I can just relax and enjoy the game.”
With the NBL finals tipping off on Wednesday night following last weekend's FIBA games, the Kings have found themselves in the unusual position of having an extra week off after finishing regular season champions.
The Kings now play the winner of Wednesday’s Seeding Qualifier in Melbourne between the South East Melbourne Phoenix and the Perth Wildcats.
Sydney will play the winner in the first of a three game semi-finals series at Qudos Bank Arena on Wednesday, March 11.
Kings Coach Brian Goorjian said despite the different schedule, there were plenty of positives to look at.
“(I’m glad we're not in) a straight knockout, which is really scary with the teams the way they are,’’ Goorjian said.
“You know, 10 losses, nine losses, 11, so there's not much between each team.
“A straight knockout is a nightmare, but then you get in this (first) position and how you handle the weight, the time in between games, I think, is going to have a big say if we win this or not.
“It’s about trying to balance rest, preparation, keep them excited and keep the energy going. There’s not a blueprint for it but we're definitely working to get it right.”
GET YOUR FINALS TICKETS TODAY. BANNERS AREN'T RAISED ALONE
Goorjian admitted to being unfazed as to who he prefers to play first up in the finals.
“Whoever it is, I want to end their season,’’ he stated.
“The way I feel about it is all four of them, or five of them, there's no one (where we feel) 'Well that team you've got their number or that team, we match up poorly'.
“It's just different challenges. It was a fiery game (against SEM) but we've had fiery games against Adelaide.
“We've had an overtime game and a one-point game with Melbourne, we lost to Tassie more than we beat them, the only team (where that is true).
“Every team presents its challenges. Whoever it is, I just feel comfortable that we've got what it takes. Bring it on.”
And as for the six-time championship winning coach himself, Goorjian admits he is looking forward to just relaxing and enjoying the showdown between the Phoenix and the Wildcats.
“Everybody will be tuned in because there's certainly an advantage to seeing who you're playing against, how they're playing, their style right now, and how they're approaching the playoffs,’’ he added.
“We've probably got a window now where we're preparing, taking concepts through three different teams, and it will get narrowed down, obviously to two and then one.
“Obviously, we will have the (game) taped, and then we will take pieces of it, show it to the team, go on the floor, and you know, that's an advantage as far as preparation (goes).
“This isn't my baggage, I'm not nervous, and I can just relax and enjoy the game.”
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