Captains face-off ahead of Championship Series opener

The New Zealand Breakers have officially touched down in Sydney, as team captains Tom Abercrombie and Xavier Cooks fronting the media for the final time before the Championship Series between the Breakers and Kings gets underway on Friday night.

Both Abercrombie and Cooks have been in this situation before. The Breakers' captain is a four-time NBL champion and played a key role in New Zealand's dynasty of the early 2010s, while Cooks himself raised the trophy last year with the Kings.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE KINGS' NBL23 FINALS INFORMATION HERE

Both stars have alluded to the importance of Game 1 on the rest of the series, and have said it's important to strike first in the decisive series.

“Game one is really important, you want to come out and set the tone for the series and play the right way,” Abercrombie said.

Check out the NBL23 Championship Grand Final Series media call above, via our Sydney Kings' YouTube channel. While you're there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.

“Who can control the tempo? They’re a slow-paced team and we’re a fast-paced team. Who can control that kind of variables wins the game,” Cooks added.

While the pair remained calm, they iterated the significance of a tough storm brewing at Qudos Bank Arena.

READ MORE: SLAM DUNK FOR HOOPS CAPITAL WITH NEW CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

The series kicks off in front of the Kings' home crowd at Qudos Bank Arena before heading back to Auckland for game two on Sunday.

“It will be a defensive series, they’re a great defensive team and so are we,” Cooks said.

We’re under no illusions about the challenge in front of us ... we’re going to have to bring our absolute best to beat them," added Abercrombie.

Game one of the Kings' best-of-five Championship Series against New Zealand tips off on Friday, March 3 at 7:30pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena, with tickets available here.