Kings overcome slow start to squash JackJumpers

The Sydney Kings have overcome a slow start in Tasmania on Friday night, to defeat the JackJumpers 91-77 at MyState Bank Arena. 

In a replay of last year’s grand final, the Kings outscored their rivals 60-29 in the second and third periods, to end a two-game skid and edge closer to the NBL23 minor premiership. 

Match summary 

Despite Derrick Walton Jr silencing the home crowd early with a triple on the first play of the game, the JackJumpers jumped out to an 8-3 lead early in the quarter. Five turnovers in as many minutes helped the hosts stretch the lead to nine (17-8). Although there was a late flurry by the Kings’ bench mob, Chase Buford’s side went into the first change down 25-14 at the first change – thanks largely to a 9-1 turnover count and conceding seven offensive rebounds. 

Sydney started the second in better fashion, registering 11 of the first 16 points of the term, capped by a Jordi Hunter slam – to close the margin to just five points with 7.46 to play. A big catalyst for the turnaround was Dejan Vasiljevic, who added eight points in no time at all. The Hoops Capital onslaught continued, so much so, that back-to-back two-pointers by Justin Simon gave them their first lead since the opening minutes. Sydney ended the term (which saw them produce zero turnovers) on an 18-1 run – to win the quarter 37-14 and lead by 12 points at the main break. 

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Sydney, sparked by Vasiljevic, scored the first seven points of the third term, to extend the lead to 19 points – which quickly became 21 when the University of Miami alum hit his fourth triple of the match from way downtown. Their impressive defence continued to shut down Tasmania’s offence, with Xavier Cooks the beneficiary – throwing down a powerful two-handed jam to cap a 14-3 run. Solid contributions by Kouat Noi and Jaylin Galloway as the period ticked down ensured the reigning champs led by 20 (74-54) at the final change. 

That lead quickly grew to 25 behind scores by Hunter and Vasiljevic. Scoring then dried up, with the two sides only combining for 11 points through the opening five minutes of the term. As the term ticked down, Buford inserted his bench, as Sydney ran away impressive victors by 14 points. 

Where the match was decided 

The biggest discrepancy between the two rivals was the field goal percentage, which the Kings won 60-34. Sydney also won the statistical categories of rebounds (39-37), assists (18-13), blocks (5-2), points in the paint (46-24) and fast-break points (24-7). 

Key moment  

A massive second quarter, where the Kings outscored the Ants 37-14 and turned the ball over zero times, secured Sydney the 18th win of their title defence.  

Player of the game 

Returning to where he hit arguably the biggest shot of his NBL career, sharp-shooter Vasiljevic dominated the round 17 fixture, scoring 24 points on 9/13 shooting – including 5/8 from downtown. The Victorian product added five rebounds and one steal in the victory. 

Others to score in double-figures for Sydney – highlighting the even spread across the board – were Walton Jr (16), Galloway (13), Cooks (12), and Simon (11).  

What’s next 

The first-placed harbour city side, who are now 18-7, now return to Qudos Bank Arena for their final home game of the regular season against South East Melbourne – which also marks the club’s first-ever home Pride Round game. 

Tickets to the fixture, which tips off at 4pm AEDT and is part of a Hoops Capital double-header, (with the Flames facing Townsville from 1.30pm) are still available here