Le'afa's heroics not enough as Kings fall to Breakers

The Sydney Kings suffered their second loss of round six on Sunday, going down 93-89 to the New Zealand Breakers, in front of 10,078 fans at Qudos Bank Arena. 

Match summary 

Free-throws by Keli Leaupepe opened the scoring before Bul Kuol hit a triple. The former’s effort on the offensive glass kept Sydney’s noses in front – as did Alex Toohey’s aggression on the rim. Despite scores by Matt Mooney and former King Jonah Bolden, the hosts stretched their lead to six following a triple by former Breaker Izayah Le’afa. Another to have an impact off the bench for Brian Goorjian’s side was Cam Oliver, who had numerous scores and rebounds – helping the purple and gold lead 25-18 at the first change. 

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A three by Tyler Robertson and a fast-break lay-up by Oliver saw the lead blow out to 12, 40 seconds into the period. But a time-out by the visitors sparked them into a 12-0 run of their own, to tie it all up at 30-all. Shots from downtown by Kuol and Shaun Bruce settled proceedings for the hosts, which was closely followed by Kouat Noi’s effort. Buckets by Freddie Gillespie put the Breakers up by two with just over one minute to play before a late score by Parker Jackson-Cartwright gave them a 49-45 advantage at half-time. 

A Xavier Cooks tip-in got the Kings going it the second, before Tyler Robertson and Leaupepe recorded scores but the visitors’ lead grew to 10 behind Mooney and Jackson-Cartwright. Robertson, Oliver and Le’afa did what they could on the offensive end for the Kings but the team struggled to slow their opponents. Five quick ones from Bruce ignited the crowd and made it 68-66 to the visitors. Le’afa’s hot shooting continued as Sydney trailed by just three at the final change. 

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New Zealand scored the first five of the period, as their lead grew to eight before Box Hill boys Robertson and Leaupepe linked up for Sydney. Triples by Le’afa (two) and Kuol kept the harbour city within striking distance (87-82) with just over three to play. Late hustle and free-throws by Cooks and lay-ins by Noi and Toohey late in the piece were helpful but the Kings lost by four. 

Where the match was decided 

Petteri Koponen’s side won on the back of statistical victories in field goal percentage (50-39), points in the paint (40-28) and fast-break points (15-5). 

Key moment 

A 31-20 second quarter by the Breakers sparked New Zealand’s road victory. 

Player of the game 

The only player in double-figures for the Kings was Le’afa, who produced his best game in the purple and gold. 

The New Zealand international hit six triples on his way to 23 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. 

What’s next 

Goorjian’s team, who are now 5-4, now head to John Cain Arena on Thursday, October 31 to face Melbourne United from 7.30pm - with the round nine fixture to be streamed live on ESPN via Kayo Sports. 

The Hoops Capital side’s next home fixture is on Sunday, November 3 against Tasmania from 4.15pm AEDT. 

This round seven game is part of the club’s first double-header of the 2024-25 at Qudos Bank Arena – with the Flames taking on the UC Capitals beforehand. 

Tickets to the hoops extravaganza are still available here.