Second half fade sees Kings fall to United

The Sydney Kings have fallen to fourth on the ladder after losing 101-85 to front-runners Melbourne United on Thursday night at Qudos Bank Arena.

This was despite the Hoops Capital club playing in front of another huge crowd of 12,898 fans.

Match summary

Traded baskets between Shaun Bruce and Kyle Bowen, and fouls in United's favour, saw Melbourne race to an early two-point lead over the Kings, which was quickly extended to five thanks to a jump shot from Matthew Dellavedova. Kouat Noi did not let this slide in his 50th game, pulling through with a jump shot to close the gap. Contributions from Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Shea Ili drew United away once more, however, Alex Toohey and Jaylen Adams clutched up to keep Melbourne close, with a further three from Angus Glover tying the board. Consecutive triples from Bruce, Denzel Valentine and Jonah Bolden saw Melbourne in Sydney's hands, as they left the first quarter up by five (23-18).

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Quick on the rebound, Jordi Hunter drew the Kings out early, though a layup from Lual-Acuil Jr cancelled his efforts. Regaining rhythm, United’s Dellavedova and Chris Goulding linked up to bring the margin to two. Contributions from Dellavedova and former King Ian Clark had Sydney's lead slipping, as United fought to get three points on the Kings. Two from Goulding drew Melbourne out to six but this gap was quickly knocked down by Jaylin Galloway and Noi, as Sydney kept United at bay. A masterclass from Bruce with back-to-back triples snatched the throne back, with the Kings carrying a two-point advantage into half-time (40-38).

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— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) January 4, 2024

The board was all tied up within the first seconds thanks to Ili, with Dellavedova pushing the lead into Melbourne's hands. Three from Galloway quickly brought it back, though Ili ensured the lead remained with United. The rivals tugged the lead back and forth, with baskets from Clark, Hunter, Dellavedova and Adams. The ladder leaders stood on business, as six from Tanner Krebs drew their lead out to seven. Jump shots from Valentine and Glover had the Kings fighting back, though a 13-point run from Melbourne had Sydney at a 17-point deficit, with three from Valentine drawing this to 14 for the final quarter (73-59). 

Ariel Hukporti was quick to defend Melbourne's lead early, though Hunter and Bruce pulled through to keep United at bay. Goulding and Krebs ensured the points gap remained substantial, shutting down efforts from Adams to remain at a 15-point lead. Three for Glover pulled the Kings up, though five from Lual-Acuil Jr and Goulding pushed the Purple and Gold back down. A quick-thinking rebound earned a three-point play for Noi, though United continued to occupy the Kings’ throne with free throws stretching the points gap out. A jump shot from Hukporti pushed United to 101, as a costly second half resulted in a 16-point loss against the top of the table (101-85). 

Where the match was decided 

The visitors secured the round 14 win thanks to statistical victories in free-throw percentage (81-70), rebounds (39-36), bench points (52-38), second-chance points (17-8), points off turnovers (18-5) and fastbreak points (12-0) - while committing fewer turnovers (9-16).

Key moment 

United outscored the hosts 35-19 in the third quarter, which proved to be the difference between the sides on Thursday night.

Player of the game 

Bruce led the way for the Kings in the defeat, scoring 16 points while also adding five assists, two rebounds and one block.

Others to score in double-figures were Noie (13) and Hunter (12).

Watch Jordi Hunter and Mahmoud Abdelfattah'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 10-9, now continue their summer of hoops in Sydney by hosting another Hoops Capital double-header at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, January 7. 

The Kings’ match with Brisbane at 3.45pm AEDT will follow the Flames’ fixture with Melbourne (1.15pm). 

Tickets for this huge afternoon of hoops are still available here.