Short-handed Kings turn attention to Breakers

The Sydney Kings will be back on court today for their second game of the CODE Sports NBL Blitz, taking on the New Zealand Breakers at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena.

Sydney enters the clash after a promising opening hit-out against a full-strength South East Melbourne Phoenix, with the final 101-84 scoreline only telling part of the story.

The Kings were without three major additions to their NBL27 roster. Kendric Davis is yet to join the team, while Torrey Craig and Matthew Dellavedova were both sidelined through illness.

Their absence created valuable opportunities for Sydney’s emerging players and new faces, several of whom impressed against a strong Phoenix outfit.

The Kings made a confident start, led by nine first-quarter points from Makuach Maluach, to take a 28-25 advantage into the opening break.

South East Melbourne gained control in the second period, scoring 35 points for the quarter, including 16 from the free-throw line, to establish a 60-46 half-time lead.

Sydney continued to compete after the break and reduced the margin to eight when Tyler Robertson connected from deep early in the fourth quarter. The Phoenix responded with the next 10 points to pull away and secure the result.

Jayden Stone was one of the biggest positives for the Kings, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Captain Xavier Cooks added 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists in just 25 minutes, while Jason Spurgin impressed with 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

Robertson knocked down three triples on his way to 11 points and four rebounds. Maluach and Andrew Carr also contributed 11 points apiece, with Carr adding two steals.

Today’s meeting with the Breakers provides another opportunity for the Kings to build chemistry and take another step towards the opening game of their championship banner-raising Game 1 on 20 September.  

The Kings face the New Zealand Breakers at Red Energy Arena today, tipping off at 5.30pm AEST.

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