Kings fall to JackJumpers in low-scoring affair

The Sydney Kings have lost their first game of NBL24, going down 80-72 to the Tasmania JackJumpers on Friday at MyState Bank Arena. 

Match summary 

The JackJumpers scored the first six points of the game before Jordi Hunter opened the Kings’ account following a Jaylen Adams dime. A triple by Denzel Valentine midway through the term made it 8-all before an Alex Toohey corner three gave the two-time reigning champions their first lead of the match (11-8). Some sloppy fouls by the purple and gold allowed the hosts to regain the advantage but the Kings went into the first change up 19-18 – thanks largely to holding the Ants to 29 per cent from the field for the period. 

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Four straight turnovers by Mahmoud Abdelfattah’s side to start the term saw the JJs regain the lead but eight consecutive points by Toohey made that short-lived. A barrage of triples by Scott Roth’s troops saw the pendulum swing back in their favour. That was only until Jaylin Galloway put the team on his back and got to the rim at will, to tie it all up at 40-all. The JJs rattled off the final eight points of the term, to lead 48-40 at half-time. 

That advantage grew to 14 with two quick triples by Ants but Adams wasn’t having any of that, tallying 12 of the first 13 Kings’ points of the third – to keep Sydney within striking distance. At large, both teams struggled from the field in the third, with only 33 points being scored in total. Despite this, a lay-up as the period expired by Adams ensured the Kings only trailed by seven (64-57) heading into the final change. 

Any chance of a Hoops Capital comeback was hurt by the Ants’ 7-1 start to the fourth. Jonah Bolden provided a spark for the Kings with a trio of buckets but their inability to secure a defensive rebound allowed Tasmania to have countless attempts on the ring. Sydney, thanks to Adams, brought it back to six points with close to one minute to play 

Where the match was decided 

Despite shooting at a better clip from the field (42 per cent to 36), the Kings lost the ball game thanks to faltering in the statistical categories of free-throw shooting (75 per cent to 55), rebounds (46-41 – including 20 offensive by the Ants), steals (9-6), second-chance points (16-10), points off turnovers (15-7) and bench points (24-18). 

Key moment  

The final few minutes of the first half proved pivotal for the JackJumpers, whose 8-0 run gave them a lead they never relinquished in the second half. 

Player of the game 

Adams was the standout for the Kings on Friday night, providing 21 points, four assists, three steals and one rebound. 

Others to shine in the defeat were Toohey (14 points and nine rebounds), Galloway (11 points and five boards) and Bolden (10 points and eight rebounds). 

Watch the game two post-game press conference featuring Jonah Bolden and Mahmoud Abdelfattah 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 1-1, will return to Sydney for their first home game of NBL24. 

The banner game against Adelaide at Qudos Bank Arena, which tips off at 4pm, will also see the unveiling of the NBL23 championship banner and players presented their rings from 3.45pm on Sunday. 

There are still limited tickets available to the round two Qudos Bank Arena showdown, which can be accessed here.