Kings thump Phoenix to lock in Play-In spot

With their backs against the wall, the Sydney Kings produced a record-breaking performance on Saturday, smashing the South East Melbourne 122-67 at John Cairn Arena. 

The huge 55-point victory – set up for the competition’s highest score this season - cements the club’s spot in the NBL24 post-season. 

To put the triumph in perspective, it marks the biggest winning margin by any team in the NBL’s 40-minute era, as well as the Kings’ largest-ever victory. 

Match summary 

Two dunks by Gorjok Gak opened the match’s scoring before a Jonah Bolden triple got the visitors on the board. Threes by Denzel Valentine and Jaylen Adams soon after put the Hoops Capital club in front – a lead that was consolidated (19-12) by four quick ones by Jaylin Galloway. DJ Hogg then chipped in with four or his own off the bench, before crafty finishes by Adams and Galloway (and a three from Hogg), saw the lead balloon to 20 (32-12) late in the period. A late basket by Valentine made it 34-14 at the end of the first quarter. 

Buckets by Bolden and Hogg kept the scoreboard ticking over for the harbour city side, with the former adding another five soon after – as the scoreline became 48-23. The one-way traffic showed no signs of slowing down, as a Valentine alley-oop connection to Galloway capped a 20-11 opening to the term, seeing the lead extend to 29 points. The stagnant offence by Sydney, combined with a few steals by the Phoenix, powered the latter to a 7-0 run. After leading by as many as 32 points, the Kings' lead was reduced to 63-39 at the main break.  

JG SLAM ?

Watch the second half on ESPN via Kayo Sports #LetItReign pic.twitter.com/T41lksL2um

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) February 17, 2024

A 7-0 run to start the third ensured the Kings killed off any fightback chances of the hosts. That streak extended to 12-1 following an and-one by Alex Toohey – who rattled off seven straight for the Kings. Valentine continued to cause issues for the host’s defenders as Adams put on a clinic on the offensive end – to the tune of 24 points (on 9/14 shooting) and nine dimes through the first three quarters  

Pushing the pace off rebounds saw Sydney score the first nine points of the term, thanks to the likes of Kouat Noi, Toohey and Hogg – seeing the game move beyond a 50-point lead. The latter two continued to score at will for the Kings before Makuach Maluach and Jackson Makoi (in his first minutes of NBL24 following his recovery from knee surgery) put the icing on the cake for the emphatic win - which keeps the team's championship defence alive.

THE REIGN ISN’T OVER YET ?#LetItReign pic.twitter.com/LgzCkPR181

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) February 17, 2024

Where the match was decided 

The historic win was set up by statistical victories by the Kings in field goal percentage (60-32), rebounds (52-34),  assists (26-13), points in the paint (64-32), second-chance points (25-13), points off turnovers (29-12), bench points (55-43) and fast-break points (26-10).

Key moment 

Needing a strong start with their season on the line, Adams powered the Kings to a 34-14 opening term, which laid the platform for the Kings’ 13th win of the season. 

Player of the game

Adams starred for the purple and gold with 24 points, nine assists, four rebounds and two steals.

Not to be outdone was Hogg, who produced his best performance in Kings colours, to the tune of 25 points, seven boards, two assists and one steal.

Others to score in double figures were Galloway (17), Valentine (17), Toohey (16) and Bolden (10).

What’s next 

Mahmoud Abdelfattah’s side have now locked themselves into the post-season, with Sunday’s fixture between Adelaide and New Zealand determining their final spot. 

After winning by 55 points, the Kings’ percentage got a timely boost, meaning if Adelaide defeats New Zealand, the two-time reigning champions will finish fifth and host the Play-In Qualifier. 

Whereas, if the Breakers win, the purple and gold will travel to Spark Arena, following the FIBA break, for a do-or-die fifth verses sixth final. 

All the final placings, as well as dates and times for the NBL24 Finals fixtures, will be revealed in the coming days.