Kings sweat out victory in timeless classic against Taipans

The Sydney Kings have returned to the winner’s circle, defeating the Cairns Taipans 86-83 in one of the most extraordinary NBL games in recent memory. 

The entire second half of the round 10 fixture at the Cairns Convention Centre was played without a 24-second shot clock, forcing both sides to adjust on the fly and deal with the changed playing conditions. 

Match summary 

The DC Multiverse Round clash saw the Kings (sporting Superman uniforms) start the stronger, leading 8-3 within the first minute – with DJ Hogg scoring five of them. That lead stretched to double-digits (18-5) behind triples to Joird Hunter and Denzel Valentine. The free-scoring of the Hoops Capital side continued with efforts from Alex Toohey and Jaylin Galloway making it 24-9 with 4.12 to play in the term. By the end of the dominant first quarter, the Kings led 33-15 – behind a 65 per cent to 33 per cent advantage in field goal percentage (not to mention hitting 4/9 from downtown compared to 0/11 by the Snakes). 

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The harbour city side’s lead grew thanks to scoring eight of the first 12 points of the period, capped by a deep triple by Hogg. The hosts managed to slow the two-time reigning champions’ scoring and adjust to playing against a zone of offence by slowly bringing the deficit back to 14 with just over two minutes to play. Nine straight by Adam Forde’s troops closed it to single figures before a crafty finish by Jaylen Adams late in the half ensured the visitors led 48-37 at the main break. 

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— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) December 7, 2023

After a 50-minute delay at half-time, due to a power failure in the shot-clock system (seeing the whole second half played without one), action finally resumed in the third with the purple and gold hitting the first seven points. Helping the visitors’ case was five quick fouls (in just 2.15 minutes) on the Snakes, seeing Mahmoud Abdelfattah’s side open on a 15-8 run. That was short-lived, as Cairns rattled off seven straight to make it 63-51 midway through the period. Unforced turnovers by the Kings kept the hosts within striking distance as the clock ticked down in the quarter but late free-throws by NBL22 MVP Adams ensured his side carried a 13-point advantage into the final term. 

A slow start by both sides ensued in the fourth, with Cairns scoring the only three points of the first three minutes. Although the Kings kept coughing up the ball, the Snakes couldn’t take advantage from the free-throw line (landing on eight of their first 19 from the charity stripe). The visitors’ scoring woes continued with three free-throws by Toohey being the only scores for the Kings through the first half of the term, seeing the game reduced to 74-68 after Bobi Klintman’s four-point play (capping a 13-3 run). It was all tied up following a Patrick Miller and-one but Adams decided to leave his imprint on the game with 10 straight points (including 8/8 from the line). Clutch free-throws by Toohey and Galloway (who also made a huge defensive stop on Miller) sealed the three-point win for the Kings (as Jonah Antonio’s three as time expired was waved off). 

Where the match was decided 

Although Sydney turned the ball over 20 times compared to nine of Cairns, they secured their eighth win of NBL24 by recording statical wins in field goal percentage (48-42), rebounds (49-34) and free-throw percentage (75-48). 

Key moment 

With Cairns charging back into the contest, Adams stood up down the stretch and kept the Kings’ noses in front, by landing all 12 of his shots from the charity stripe. 

Player of the game 

Adams took over the game late and iced it for the Kings, scoring 24 points, to go along with seven assists and four rebounds. 

Others to stand out for the Kings in the win, which moves them up to third on the ladder were Galloway (13 points and seven boards), Hogg (12 points and seven rebounds), Toohey (12 points and three boards) and Hunter (11 points and 10 rebounds.

Watch Mahmoud Abdelfattah and Alex Toohey'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 8-5, will now return home to Sydney on Sunday, December 10, to host South East Melbourne from 3.45pm at Qudos Bank Arena as part of the DC Multiverse Round. 

Tickets for that clash are available here.