Kings edge Breakers in Indigenous Round thriller

The Sydney Kings made it two wins from as many games this weekend by defeating New Zealand 87-85 at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, November 5.

The NBL23 grand final replay win, which moves the Kings to 6-3, was played in front of 12,143 fans - marking the club's 15 games out of 17 they've attracted more than 10,000 fans.

Match summary 

A jump shot from Denzel Valentine started the purple and gold off strong, after an early shot from the Breakers' Parker Jackson-Cartwright. Jaylen Adams and Valentine kept the Breakers' lead to one before they hit the front (11-10) with 3.35 left of the clock. A lay-up from Jordi Hunter, coupled with a jump shot from Angus Glover extended the purple and gold's lead. With Sean Bruce’s back-to-back three-pointers warding off the Breakers further and seeing the Kings consolidate their lead comfortably. A strong comeback by the Breakers saw the gap close, though Adams promptly shut this down, as the Kings left the first quarter with a six-point lead (27-21).

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Makauch Maluach and Alex Toohey started the second term on a high, with back-to-back layups extending the Kings lead into the double digits. A jump shot by Kouat Noi - in his 100th game - aided the Kings lead significantly. However, a 12-point contribution from Breakers’ Anthony Lamb saw the point gap pushed as New Zealand trailed by six (41-35). Back-to-back layups from Will McDowell-White threatened the Hoops Capital side's lead periodically until triples from DJ Hogg and Glover pushed the Kings to a double-digit gap (51-39). A last-minute jump shot from Hogg saw the Kings enter half-time on an 11-point high. 

From WAY downtown, the BUZZER BEATER, THIS IS DJ HOGG BASKETBALL ? @Dj_hogg1 #LetItReign pic.twitter.com/LwXhBE8ZJ2

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) November 5, 2023

Delany and Tom Abercrombie started the quarter strong for the Breakers as consecutive three-pointers pushed the points gap back into the single digits (56-50). A jump shot from Toohey broke the Kings' scoring drought, though contributions from Abercrombie and Jackson-Cartwright coupled with a foul in the Breakers' favour saw the points gap close to one (59-58). Jump shots from Valentine and Hogg diminished fears of a lead handover, however, Breakers’ Izayah LeAfa and Lamb ensured the points gap remained tight with a further contribution from Mantas Rubštavi?ius tying the game up. Late contributions from Bruce and Hogg broke the tie in the Kings' favour, as they entered the final quarter on a five-point lead (72-67)

Upholding his momentum from the previous term, Hogg extended the Kings' lead early into the final quarter. Swift turnovers from the Breakers and a layup from Lamb saw the game tied (75-all) with 7.38 left in the quarter. Despite further contributions from Hogg, New Zealand regained the lead, as the Kings trailed by one (78-77). A tie ensued once more and remained following contributions from both teams, however, Jackson-Cartwright brought the Breakers to a three-point lead (85-83) with minutes to spare. Bruce came in clutch for the Kings with a jump shot reviving hopes as the points gap advanced into the harbour city side's favour (87-85). The gap was consolidated up until the final seconds, as missed foul shots by Lamb and a last-second heave by Jackson-Cartwright helped Sydney hold on for an important two-point win.

Bruce for the LEAD ?

Catch the action live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies | 10 Peach & 10 Play | Sky Sport in NZ ? pic.twitter.com/AIBq80fn7g

— NBL (@NBL) November 5, 2023

Where the match was decided 

Superior statistical wins in three-point percentage (44-37 while hitting 16 compared to nine from downtown) and assists (24-14),  all helped the Kings secure their sixth win of NBL24 - with all the other major categories being close to even.

Key moment 

The match was ultimately decided with with only 43 seconds left in the final quarter, as a three-pointer from Bruce.

That and a 14-2 run in the first quarter proved pivotal in the Kings' win.

Player of the game 

Hogg was named the Claude Willams MVP winner, thanks to 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

Other standouts were Adams (12 points and nine assists), Valentine (11 points and five boards) and Bruce (11).

Watch Mahmoud Abdelfattah and Shaun Bruce break down the win in the post-game press conference via 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 

Abdelfattah’s side, who are now 6-3, are again at home next Sunday when they take part in the first of four Hoops Capital double-headers at Qudos Bank Arena. 

The Sydney Flames will tip-off the day’s action at 1.30pm against Melbourne before the Kings take on the Bullets from 4pm. 

Tickets for the clash are available here.