Johnston delivers late as Kings and JackJumpers share pre-season thriller

The Sydney Kings have completed their pre-season preparations with a thrilling 98-all draw against the Tasmania JackJumpers at the N.J. Edwards Hub in Hobart.

Will Johnston delivered the final blow of a frantic finish, draining a three-pointer with 24 seconds remaining to bring the Kings level after Tasmania had erased a six-point deficit in the closing minutes.

The JackJumpers had two opportunities to snatch the result on the final possession, but attempts from Taran Armstrong and Nick Marshall would not fall. With no overtime played, the teams shared the honours.

Sydney and Tasmania could not be separated after an entertaining opening quarter, heading to the first break locked at 21-all.

The Kings began to gain an edge in the second period, scoring 31 points to establish a 52–49 half-time advantage. They added another 25 in the third to carry a 77–73 lead into the final term.

Sydney appeared to have taken control when it moved six points clear late in the fourth, but consecutive triples from Armstrong and another from David Johnson brought Tasmania back to 95-all.

Ben Gold then put the JackJumpers ahead from deep with 38 seconds remaining, before Johnston answered at the other end to ensure the Kings finished their pre-season campaign without a loss in Hobart.

Makuach Maluach continued his impressive build-up to NBL27, leading Sydney with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including two triples.

Torrey Craig added 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal in another efficient performance, connecting on six of his eight attempts from the field.

Johnston filled the box score with 14 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Matthew Dellavedova also scored 14 points and was perfect with all eight of his attempts from the free-throw line.

Harry Wessels contributed nine points and five rebounds without missing a field-goal attempt. Pietok Machar added eight points and a team-high seven boards, while Andrew Carr finished with eight points and four blocks.

Sydney won the rebounding battle 39–36 and recorded five blocks to Tasmania’s two.

Armstrong led the JackJumpers with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Johnson scored 18 points, while Gold added 16.

The Kings now turn their full attention to the opening round of NBL27.

Sydney will raise the club’s sixth championship banner before beginning its pursuit of number seven against the Cairns Taipans at Afterpay Arena on Sunday, September 20.