Kings fans help lift team to victory
Written By
Wayne Cousins
A crowd of 10,132 had Qudos Bank Arena pumping with the energy.
Experienced Coach Brian Goorjian had no doubt that the passion and energy from the Sydney Kings supporters certainly played its part in victory on Wednesday night.
In an absolute thriller that went down to the final seconds, the Kings scrambled hard for rebounds following two missed attempts from Perth to win 105-104 to secure game one of the best three series against the Perth Wildcats.
A crowd of 10,132 had Qudos Bank Arena pumping with the energy lifting the Kings in a match that saw the lead change a staggering 56 times.
Prior to the finals, Goorjian said having a great home court like Qudos Bank Arena was worth an extra 10 points to the team.
Asked how that game rated in his distinguished career, the seven-time NBL Coach of the Year said it was right up there for intensity and thrills.
“Doesn’t get better than that. It really doesn't,’’ Goorjian said.
“Everyone talks about midweek game and semifinal, and (what the) crowd be like.
“I'm making calls on the defensive end, and nobody can hear me.
“It was loud, (so) loud on the floor. You talk about finishing first and having home court.
“They (the fans) were very, very effective for us tonight.
“I don't think we win if the game's like this and it's in Perth.”
The Kings will be looking to wrap up the series with victory in game two in Perth on Saturday night. A loss will see the Kings return to Qudos Bank Arena for the decider on Wednesday, March 18.
In an absolute thriller that went down to the final seconds, the Kings scrambled hard for rebounds following two missed attempts from Perth to win 105-104 to secure game one of the best three series against the Perth Wildcats.
A crowd of 10,132 had Qudos Bank Arena pumping with the energy lifting the Kings in a match that saw the lead change a staggering 56 times.
Prior to the finals, Goorjian said having a great home court like Qudos Bank Arena was worth an extra 10 points to the team.
Asked how that game rated in his distinguished career, the seven-time NBL Coach of the Year said it was right up there for intensity and thrills.
“Doesn’t get better than that. It really doesn't,’’ Goorjian said.
“Everyone talks about midweek game and semifinal, and (what the) crowd be like.
“I'm making calls on the defensive end, and nobody can hear me.
“It was loud, (so) loud on the floor. You talk about finishing first and having home court.
“They (the fans) were very, very effective for us tonight.
“I don't think we win if the game's like this and it's in Perth.”
The Kings will be looking to wrap up the series with victory in game two in Perth on Saturday night. A loss will see the Kings return to Qudos Bank Arena for the decider on Wednesday, March 18.
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