Kings prepare for game three pressure cooker

Sydney head coach Chase Buford has declared the Kings’ advantage of hosting game three of their Playoff series against the Cairns Taipans will work in their favour.

The Kings lost 93-82 against Cairns on Friday night in game two of their best-of-three Playoff series.

Buford said the advantage of being able to host the decisive game will help the Kings deal with the pressure, after suffering a disappointing game two defeat.

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Buford was ejected in game two, while MVP Xavier Cooks suffered an ankle injury, in a drama-filled night for the defending champions.

“That’s why we’ve fought all year to put ourselves in a position to go host a game three, we’ll be ready,” Buford said.

“Everything now is about Sunday.”

Shaun Bruce echoed Buford’s comments, emphasising the fight they will show in front of their home fans.

“We would have loved to get it done tonight but we earned the right to host two games this series, and we’re looking forward to getting there (Qudos Bank Arena) on Sunday,” Bruce said.

“We’re going to come out and play, and fight to get a win.”

The Taipans shocked the Kings in game two, showing more fight on both ends of the court and keeping the series alive.

Buford was disappointed at the lack of aggressiveness his team showed.

“They kicked our a**, from the opening tip they played with more juice. They played with desperation like their season was on the line and we didn’t match it,” Buford said.

“They just came and punked us today.”

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The fiery contest was no surprise to Bruce, who said the intensity goes up in the Finals.

“There’s spice in every game,” Bruce added.

“That’s just part of playing and that’s the fun of it.

“We’ve got two good teams that are playing their (butts) off.

“It’s the time of year we want to be playing and there’s going to be emotions.

“People care, coaches care a lot. It’s what it’s all about.”

The Kings will suit up on Sunday for a sudden-death game three for a chance to advance to the Championship Series for the second year in a row.

The winner on Sunday will play either New Zealand or Tasmania in the best-of-five Championship Series.

Tip-off between the Kings and Taipans on Sunday is 2pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena - with tickets available here.