Adams powers Kings to comeback win over Phoenix

The Sydney Kings have stormed back to record their second win of the trot, defeating South East Melbourne 74-69 during Friday night’s Indigenous Round clash at Qudos Bank Arena. 

Match summary 

South East Melbourne’s Malique Lewis opened the match’s scoring with a triple before an Alex Toohey-Xavier Cooks combination got the hosts on the board. Former King Angus Glover nailed two triples and a quick lay-up to give the visitors a 13-7 lead midway through the term. Cooks was shining for the hosts, as shown by his alley-oop from Jaylen Adams. But SEM continued to score at will, with Jordi Hunter and Owen Foxwell creating easy looks, as the visitors led 22-14 at the first change. 

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Kouat Noi’s triple got the Kings rolling in the second period, which was quickly by an effort from downtown by Adams and Izayah Le’afa, as the score closed to 24-23. In his 100th game, Bul Kuol was having a huge impact on both ends and despite numerous misses around the hoop, the Kings only trail by three halfway through the term. Although Le’afa and Adams were producing strong plays for Brian Goorjian’s side, who were behind by four at half-time. 

The Phoenix scored the first four points of the quarter, as the deficit ballooned to eight – which quickly became 10 behind Matt Hurt’s scores. Sydney’s microwave scorer Noi helped cut the margin, as did a triple by Tall Blacks international Le’afa. Effort plays by NBL23 MVP Cooks kept the harbour city side within striking distance despite some questionable calls by the officials – as Josh King’s side led 56-49 after three. 

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Once again, Noi sparked Sydney’s offence but a Joe Wieskemp triple made it a 10-point game (61-51) with 7.40 to play. Adams got his mojo back, scoring a quick three points, before Noi rattled off seven straight as the Kings closed it to 64-61. Le’afa’s floater made it a one-point game before Adams’ jumper put the hosts in front – capping an 11-0 run. The Cooks and Adams pick and roll was working a treat, with the paid scoring the next seven for the hosts. A drawn charge by Le’afa and a clutch bucket by Adams sealed the five-point win. 

Where the match was decided 

Sydney chalked up the win thanks to statistical victories in field goal percentage (42-34), rebounds (52-40) and bench points (27-19). 

Key moment 

A 25-13 final term, powered by Cooks and Adams, secured the Kings their seventh win of NBL25. 

Player of the game 

Adams was outstanding in the win, producing 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal. 

The other standouts were Cooks (17 points and 12 rebounds) and Noi (16 points). 

Watch Brian Goorjian and Bul Kuol's post-game press conference via the Sydney Kings' YouTube channel above. While you're there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.

What’s next 

Goorjian’s team, who are now 7-5, next travel to Wollongong to face the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday, November 16 from 7.30pm AEDT – broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo Sports. 

The Hoops Capital side’s next home game is on Sunday, December 15 against Brisbane from 4.15pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena. 

Tickets to that game are still available here.