NBL Semi-Final Preview: Kings vs. Hawks

By Matt McQuade

 

So, here we are.

A long, tough regular season is finally over.

Now, the real stuff begins.

The NBL22 Finals are about to commence.

It’s the Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings vs. the Illawarra Hawks in a three-game semi-final war beginning this Friday in Wollongong; a matchup that has the potential to become one of the greatest playoff series in the history of the National Basketball League.

It’s not just that this is the best rivalry in the competition.

It’s not just that it’s a battle of two of the most passionate fanbases there is.

It’s not even that it’s a matchup between two clubs who reside only an hour away from one another.

No, this one has all the hallmarks of an all-time classic because these are two teams positively loaded with talent, brilliantly coached and playing some of their best basketball at precisely the right time of the season.

“I’m really excited,” Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings Head Coach Chase Buford said.

“It’s an opportunity for our team to come out and show what we worked so hard for all year; show what we’re capable of doing.

“Doing it against a great team like Illawarra – we’re really fired up.”

Both teams have been superb in the second half of their NBL22 campaigns.

Before a couple of late defeats, Sydney boasted the second longest winning streak in franchise history; an incredible 13-game surge that pushed them to title favouritism among the various betting agencies.

Illawarra had an outstanding six-game unbeaten run and finished their regular season with two excellent victories on the road against Perth and the Kings.

There’s NBA-level talent all over the place. From Sydney’s three ex-NBA players in Jaylen Adams, Jarell Martin and Ian Clark and a future fourth in Xavier Cooks; to Illawarra’s NBA draftee Justinian Jessup and Association-worthy ballplayers like Tyler Harvey, Antonius Cleveland and Duop Reath.

And, of course, two of the best coaches in the NBL, both record-breakers in their own right. Chase Buford in his first season becoming the first Sydney Kings Head Coach on debut to win 13 straight games overall and 10 straight on the road. Brian Goorjian and his unprecedented 22^nd consecutive appearance in the National Basketball League Final Four.

Then you’ve got the four regular season games played between these two. Illawarra may have walked away this season with the Dr. Adrian Hurley Cup thanks to three wins in the NBL22 series, but every game was decided by single figures and the last two in the minor rounds were nothing less than epic confrontations that could have gone either way.

The Hawks finished the regular season with an identical record to the Kings – 19-9; getting second place thanks to the NBL tiebreaker of for and against points percentage across the season. They ended the minor rounds as the number one scoring team in the league and finished first in field goals made, field goals attempted and field goal percentage. They were an offensive juggernaut at times, as they showed in the first half of their win over the Kings last Sunday.

But the Kings were dominant too – only more so at the defensive end of the court. The purple and gold finished the NBL22 minor rounds with the best defensive field goal percentage in the competition and topped the standings in both defensive rebounding and defensive rebounding percentage.

So, while Sydney boasts plenty of firepower of their own – especially with superstar guard Jaylen Adams expected to be healthy for the series after a bout with illness – this shapes up to be that classic battle between a high-powered offence and a stifling, physical defence.

It all adds up to a series that will likely go the distance and turn into something we’ll remember for all time.

Sydney vs. Illawarra.

It doesn’t get any better than this.

The last time these two met in the playoffs was 17 years ago. The purple and gold turned that series into an absolute rout – the most one-sided Grand Final Series in NBL history.

This one figures to be a whole lot tougher.

To get you primed for this confrontation for the ages, let’s break down the positional matchups.

BACKCOURT

Jaylen Adams vs. Tyler Harvey

The fact that a wounded Kings missing Jaylen Adams got within three points of a fully healthy Illawarra last Sunday should give Sydney a ton of confidence heading into Game One on Friday. When healthy, Adams (20.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 6.1rpg, 1.2spg, 42.8% FG, 39.6% 3PT FG, 81.4% FT, 31.7mpg) is the best player in the competition. The newly-minted NBL Most Valuable Player is a classic floor leader who makes everyone around him better; he’s devastating in pick and roll situations, can score at all three levels and is solid defensively. On the other hand, Illawarra’s star guard Tyler Harvey (16.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.2apg, 1.7spg, 40.4% FG, 32.8% 3PT FG, 78.8% FT, 32.0mpg) could be the league’s singular unstoppable force when he gets it going offensively, as shown by his 35 points against the Kings in Round 20. He’s a left-hander with dazzling ball skills who has unlimited range, can pull up on a dime and launch it from anywhere and boasts a deadly floater game. This might be the pivotal matchup of the series when all is said and done.

Dejan Vasiljevic vs. Antonius Cleveland

These two might not see too much time on one another given Illawarra’s obvious fear of Jaylen Adams, but they’ll nonetheless be huge keys for their respective ballclubs. Dejan Vasiljevic (12.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 40.9% FG, 37.1% 3PT FG, 83.7% FT, 24.5mpg) had a career-high 33 points the last time he stepped on the WIN Entertainment Centre floor, benefiting from a Hawk defensive coverage that was keyed on stopping Adams. Dejan is a tremendous outside shooter, but it’s his scoring at the second level of the defence that’s so impressive – teams closing out hard on him now face the prospect of DJ ripping through and going hard to the rack for a deuce. Antonius Cleveland (14.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.1apg 1.9spg, 1.2bpg, 46.7% FG, 22.2% 3PT FG, 72.1% FT, 29.1mpg) has been the catalyst for Illawarra’s second-half surge in NBL22. He’s a super-athletic, hyper-aggressive defender who loves nothing more than to get into passing lanes, disrupt offences and take it the other way for a high-flying jam. He’s frightening in transition and does all the little things you need for team success. If he does have a weakness, it’s from the perimeter, so expect the Kings to make him prove it to them from long distance.

FRONTCOURT

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk vs. Justinian Jessup

There’s no surprise that Sydney’s brilliant defender Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (4.5ppg, 2.7rpg, 38.3% FG, 27.1% 3PT FG, 61.9% FT, 25.6mpg) will have Tyler Harvey as his primary defensive assignment, but there will be times he’ll find himself ranged against Illawarra’s Next Star. As such, Wani’s defensive versatility is going to be a major factor in the outcome of this series. He’s physical, strong and athletic and has the ability to guard one through four, which makes him a serious weapon for Coach Buford. For his part, Justinian Jessup (13.5ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1spg, 44.9% FG, 36.4% 3PT FG, 86.5% FT, 31.8mpg) is one of the most feared outside gunners in the NBL, as he displayed by knocking down his first six shots against the Kings in Round 21 at Qudos Bank Arena. His confidence is at an extreme level right now and that makes him exceedingly dangerous. The Kings will need to get tough with him and ensure he doesn’t get off the chain at any time.

Xavier Cooks vs. Duop Reath

When you look at the four games played between the two this season, one thing is obvious. These two outstanding forwards mean an enormous amount to their teams. All-NBL Second Teamer Xavier Cooks (15.3ppg, 9.8rpg, 2.6apg, 2.2bpg, 55.3% FG, 31.0% 3PT FG, 63.0% FT, 27.7mpg) has been playing at as much an MVP level for the Kings this season as Jaylen Adams. He’s the best two-way player in the competition, a guy who offensively is almost impossible to matchup on, especially when he’s going downhill, and defensively he's a great rebounder and rim protector – he led the NBL in both rebounding and blocked shots. Duop Reath (15.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.5bpg, 49.1% FG, 41.6% 3PT FG, 79.4% FT, 27.3mpg) led the NBL in three-point percentage and is the stretch four that the Hawks lacked last season. He’s given them a whole new dimension with his inside-outside ability and his presence on the floor opens things up for Illawarra’s phalanx of outside shooters.

Jarell Martin vs. Sam Froling

It says a lot about Jarell Martin (16.0ppg, 8.0rpg, 51.4% FG, 37.3% 3PT FG, 79.5% FT, 27.6mpg) and his importance to the Kings when he plays limited minutes against the Hawks last Sunday and is so productive and impactful during his time on the floor that he very nearly drags an undermanned Sydney across the line. He’s a powerhouse in the low post and when he steps out to the three-point line you best close out hard otherwise he’s going to bury you. Sam Froling (9.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.1bpg, 53.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT FG, 63.5% FT, 26.2mpg) has had some big games against the Kings this season and is a tough cover thanks to good size, excellent mobility, and the ability to finish at the rim in traffic.

BENCH

Most people zero in on the likes of Adams, Martin, Cooks, Vasiljevic and Ian Clark when talking about the Kings, but that’s overlooking the contributions of a reserve group that has made a big impact for Sydney this season. From Clark and his leadership of the second unit to the relentless activity of Tom Vodanovich, the veteran nous of Shaun Bruce, the defensive versatility and energy of Angus Glover, the sparkplug that is Biwali Bayles and the frightening talent of Makur Maker, Sydney’s bench has been one of the best in the league. Illawarra also goes deep with their bench, at least on paper, because it’s been primarily four reserves getting the bulk of backup minutes, led by import point guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes, who was a Sixth Man of the Year nominee. Tim Coenraad is a veteran gunslinger who never met a shot he didn’t like or take; Harry Froling is a big body who can stretch the floor and Isaac White is a guard who plays with extreme confidence.

COACHES

Chase Buford vs. Brian Goorjian

Boy Wonder vs. The GOAT. One of the brightest young coaching minds in the country against the best to ever do it. That’s the matchup in this series between two brilliant sideline leaders. Chase Buford has been a revelation since coming to Sydney and has already set a number of franchise marks, including consecutive wins on the road in a single season, a mark of 10 he’ll hope to increase to 11 on Friday. His pace and space, grab and go offensive philosophy has been fun to watch and successful to boot, and he helms one of the best defensive units in the competition. As for Brian Goorjian, very little needs to be said other than he’s now made 22 consecutive NBL semi-final series and seems as energised and enthusiastic about coaching as he ever has been. One thing to note however – he’s made a decision to shorten his rotation with no more than nine guys seeing significant court time. In a long, physical series, that could take a toll on his squad.

 

WHO

Sydney Kings vs Illawarra Hawks

WHAT

NBL Semi-Final Series

WHEN

Game One: Friday 29 April, 7:30pm tipoff AEST

Game Two: Sunday 1 May, 3:00pm tipoff AEST

Game Three (if required): Tuesday 3 May, 7:30pm tipoff AEST

LOCATION

Game One: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Game Two: Qudos Bank Arena

Game Three (if required): WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

TV

ESPN; Kayo Sports (all three games), 10 Peach (Sunday)

RADIO

Cluch Radio

TICKETS

Game Two Available HERE

THE PLAYERS

Jaylen Adams (import); Dejan Vasiljevic; Wani Swaka Lo Buluk; Xavier Cooks; Jarell Martin (import)

Ian Clark (import); Makur Maker (Next Star); Angus Glover; Shaun Bruce; Biwali Bayles; Tom Vodanovich; Matur Maker; Jaylin Galloway (development player); Jayden Hodgson (development Player); Ignatius Mitchell (development player)

Hawks

Tyler Harvey (import); Antonius Cleveland (import); Justinian Jessup (Next Star); Sam Froling; Duop Reath

Xavier Rathan-Mayes (import); Harry Froling; Isaac White; Tim Coenraad; AJ Ogilvy; Emmett Naar; Akoldah Gak (development player); Lachlan Dent (development player)

THE COACHES

Kings

Chase Buford (NBL rookie head coach, record 19-9)

Hawks

Brian Goorjian (2^nd season with Hawks, record with Hawks 39-27, NBL career record 553-248, six NBL championships)

FINAL LADDER

Kings 19-9, third

Hawks 19-9, second

LAST GAME

Kings lost to Illawarra Hawks 87-84 @ Qudos Bank Arena, Round 21

2021/2022 REGULAR SEASON SERIES

Hawks won 3-1

Hawks def. Kings 92-84 @ Qudos Bank Arena, Round 2

Hawks def. Kings 97-89 @ WIN Entertainment Centre, Round 7

Kings def. Hawks 107-102 (OT) @ WIN Entertainment Centre, Round 20

Hawks def. Kings 87-84 @ Qudos Bank Arena, Round 21

INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS

Kings

Points: Jaylen Adams, 20.1ppg

Rebounds: Xavier Cooks, 9.8rpg

Assists: Jaylen Adams, 6.1apg

Steals: Jaylen Adams, 1.2spg

Blocked Shots: Xavier Cooks, 2.2bpg

Hawks

Points: Tyler Harvey, 16.1ppg

Rebounds: Sam Froling, 7.3rpg

Assists: Xavier Rathan-Mayes, 4.1apg

Steals: Antonius Cleveland, 1.9spg

Blocked Shots: Duop Reath, 1.5bpg

KEY TEAM STATS

Points: Kings 85.6ppg, fifth in NBL; Hawks 89.6ppg, first in NBL

Points Conceded: Kings 82.7ppg, third; Hawks 84.0ppg, fourth

Field Goal Percentage: Kings 44.3%, sixth; Hawks 45.7%, first

Defensive Field Goal Percentage: Kings 39.4%, first; Hawks 42.7%, third

Three Point Percentage: Kings 33.9%, second; Hawks 33.3%, fourth

Defensive Three Point Percentage: Kings 31.5%, fourth; Hawks 33.1%, seventh

Free Throw Percentage: Kings 75.3%, third; Hawks 74.7%, fifth

Rebounds: Kings 38.6rpg, third; Hawks 38.9rpg, second

Assists: Kings 16.0apg, sixth; Hawks 15.4apg, eighth

Offensive Efficiency: Kings 108.8, fifth; Hawks 114.1, second

Defensive Efficiency: Kings 105.1, second; Hawks 107.0, fourth

THE QUESTIONS

Will history repeat itself in 2022 and the Kings get another sweep of a playoff series against the Hawks?

Who will be the X-factor in this series for either team?

HISTORY

All-time Head-to-Head

106 games played; Kings lead 57-49

In Sydney

53 games played; Kings lead 30-23

At Qudos Bank Arena

15 games played; Hawks lead 9-6

In Wollongong

51 games played; Kings lead 26-25

At WIN Entertainment Centre

39 games played; Kings lead 20-19

PLAYOFF HISTORY

All-time Head-to-Head

3 games played; Kings lead 3-0

In Sydney

2 games played; Kings lead 2-0

At Qudos Bank Arena

First meeting in Game Two NBL22 semi-finals

In Wollongong

1 game played; Kings lead 1-0

At WIN Entertainment Centre

1 game played; Kings lead 1-0

DID YOU KNOW?

This is the Kings 16^th appearance in the National Basketball League through the course of their 33 seasons in the competition. Their overall playoff record is 36 wins and 33 losses; they’ve won 13 playoff series including three Grand Finals and lost 12 playoff series, including three Grand Finals. Their largest playoff win was a 113-79 blowout over the Brisbane Bullets in Game One of the 2004/2005 semi-finals; their largest loss a 142-82 annihilation at the hands of the Canberra Cannons in Game Three of the 1989 semi-finals in Canberra. The legendary Dwayne ‘D-Train’ McClain holds the all-time single game playoff scoring record for the Kings with his majestic 45 points against the Melbourne Tigers in Game Two of the 1992 semi-finals.