Johnston and Wessells say Kings ready for Hawks showdown

The Sydney Kings will look to turn a bounce-back win over Perth into on the road momentum when they head south to face the Illawarra Hawks, with Will Johnston and Harry Wessells ready to embrace the intrastate rivalry.

After snapping a two-game slide, the Kings face another test against a Hawks outfit coming off a win over Melbourne United, Johnston knows Sydney will need to match the home side’s intensity.

“They’re definitely a very good team,” Johnston said.

“They got a great win against Melbourne United, so I know they’re going to be confident and rolling.

“I know it’s a different energy when you’re playing at their place compared to ours, so we’re excited for that challenge and looking forward to it.”

For Wessells, the win over Perth provided a timely boost ahead of a stretch of road games, with contributions across the roster showing the different ways Sydney can find a way to win.

“I think everyone brings so many different things, and everyone can have an impact at any moment in any game,” Wessells said.

“That’s tough to cover for other teams, but it’s also good for us when things aren’t going the way we want. Other guys can come in and everyone can find a way to win.”

That collective approach has been central to Johnston’s mindset, with the guard focused on bringing energy whenever his opportunity arrives.

“For me, it’s just doing whatever I can to impact winning, along with all the guys coming in off the bench,” Johnston said.

“We talk about that: what can you do to impact the game that’s going to help win? For me, it might be my energy, my pick-up, those kinds of things.”

Johnston’s passion has not gone unnoticed by his teammates, with Wessells describing him as a player whose enthusiasm lifts the group.

“He’s just so much energy,” Wessells said.

“He’ll leave it all out there. He’s a high-emotion player, like a lot of us are on the team.

“It’s fun because we all feed off that.”

For Johnston, that approach comes naturally.

“I try to be really authentic,” he said.

“That’s something I’ve really worked on, just embracing being me, and that’s what I like to show on the court.”

The Kings will need that energy against Illawarra, with Wessells expecting a physical, competitive contest between the NSW rivals.

“It’s going to be high tension. They’re going to play hard, we’re going to play hard,” Wessells said.

“You can’t underestimate or overestimate anyone in this league.”

As Sydney continues to build its combinations, Wessells believes the group is making progress with every session and game.

“It still feels like we’re getting better on the fly and getting used to each other more and more each day,” he said.

“Everyone’s been awesome. The coaches have been great. I’m loving it so far.”

Johnston is equally excited by the potential of the group, pointing to the developing connection with Kendric Davis and the experience around him.

“It’s just figuring out how to play with each other, and I feel like when it clicks, it’s really special,” Johnston said.

“I really enjoy playing with him. He’s an incredible talent.

“You’ve got so many vets who are just so experienced. It’s a pleasure to be around, and it’s really helped my game develop.”

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