Kings fail to ground Phoenix in DC Multiverse clash

The Sydney Kings have suffered their second home loss of NBL24, going down 104-94 to the South East Melbourne Phoenix at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, December 10. 

The result was played in front of 13,197 fans, tying the Kings’ all-time franchise record (of nine games) for consecutive home crowds of more than 10,000. 

Match summary 

Quick defence from the Kings warded off hopes of an early lead for South East Melbourne in DC Multiverse Round clash, with a foul on Jordi Hunter and a clean dunk from Alex Toohey placing the purple and gold on the board. The game was promptly equalised as a lay-up from Mitch Creek saw the board at 4-all. Hunter and Jaylen Adams shut down the birds, as a jump shot from Adams saw the visitors trail by one (8-7). Jump shots from Ben Ayre and Matt Kenyon and an up–and–under from Creek saw South East Melbourne lead by four (12-8). Shaun Bruce clutched up for the Kings, as a lay-up, paired with earlier contributions from Jonah Bolden allowed the Kings to close the gap to two (17-15). Incredible rebounds and contributions from Alan Williams and Rhys Vague had Mike Kelly’s men soaring away. Hoops Capital’s Denzel Valentine pulled off a masterclass, maintaining his streak of two triples per game, as a series of jump shots saw the gap closing significantly, as his team entered the second quarter down by two (32-30). 

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Phoenix ensured their lead extended early into the second quarter, as Williams maintained his momentum with a hook shot. The Phoenix was aided further by Gary Browne as a lay-up and an assist saw the Kings at a nine-point deficit (39-30). Also upholding momentum, Valentine pulled through with a hook shot to ensure South East’s lead remained in the single digits. Pheonix’s wings however could not be clipped as a shot from Gorjok Gak kept their lead intact. Back-to-back jump shots from Adams closed the Kings’ deficit to three (41-38). However, Williams and Creek remained fired up for the birds, as regular contributions kept the Kings at bay. Jaylin Galloway and Valentine partnered up on a sharp assist, helping the score become 51-46. Despite late contributions from Hunter, Phoenix clawed their way into half-time on a nine-point lead (58-49). 

Adams and Valentine cooked up early points for the Kings, though their efforts were matched, as a jump shot from Ayre and a dunk from Creek allowed the visitors to sit on a 10-point lead (63-53). Creek proved unstoppable as consecutive contributions shut down the purple and gold's comeback and pushed them further into the lead. A jump shot from Adams revived spirits, with clean moves from Bolden and Bruce breaking their rival’s double-digit lead (74-66). South East however remained on fire, as quick scores from Owen Foxwell, Ayre and Williams had them nesting on their lead for a third quarter.  

A dunk from Toohey set the standard for the final quarter, as the Kings trailed by nine (82-73), however, it was no match for South East as jump shots from Vague and Ayre, coupled with favourable fouls, had them drawing away once more. A jump shot from Valentine was quickly matched by Vague, as the visitor’s lead became 14. Creek's fire could not be put out despite the best efforts of Hogg and Bolden. Late scores from Glover and Bruce prompted a late comeback for the purple and golds, but despite these efforts, the Kings were unable to keep Phoenix on the ground, suffering the second home loss of NBL24 104-94. 

Where the match was decided 

Statistical advantages in three-point percentage (44-37), assists (18-16), steals (9-4), points in the paint (42-38), second-chance points (17-6) and points off turnovers (23-11) secured South East the win – with them also handing the ball over less (16-10). 

Key moment 

A 26-19 second term by the visitors laid the platform for the win, with Sydney not able to respond in the second half. 

Player of the game 

In the defeat, Adams top scored with 19 points, to go along with two assists, one rebound and one steal. 

The other standout for the Kings was Valentine, who added 18 points, eight rebounds and three dimes.

Watch Mahmoud Abdelfattah and Jordi Hunter's 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 

Mahmoud Abdelfattah’s side, who are now 8-6, will now hit the road for two straight games against Tasmania (December 17) and New Zealand (December 22). 

Following that, the Kings return to Qudos Bank Arena for the second-annual Christmas night clash with Illawarra – tipping off at 7.15pm AEDT. 

Tickets for that festive clash are available here.