Simon confident Kings can rise to Championship moment
14 Mar
1
min read


As disappointed as the Sydney Kings are about their performance on Sunday in Auckland's game four, they have quickly put that behind them, ahead of Wednesday's all-or-nothing decider.
The Hoops Capital side knows that loss to the New Zealand Breakers means little now, as they still remain one win away from their second straight NBL Championship.
One man that is chasing his first title in the NBL is defensive juggernaut Justin Simon, who is confident his side will rise to the occasion come 7.15pm Wednesday at Qudos Bank Arena.
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"New Zealand were hungrier than us in game four but that won't be the case on Wednesday," Simon said.
"In a lot of ways, we beat ourselves with turnovers and not fully locking into the scouting report - you just can't a side like the Breakers be that comfortable in their home environment.
"Having already played them [New Zealand] so many times, it's going to come down to more than just the Xs and Os, rather the little things and playing with heart.
"As a group, we know our backs are against the walls and I'm confident we will rise to the occasion and respond, as shown by us only losing back-to-back games once this season."
The decider 🏆
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) March 12, 2023
Join us at Qudos Bank Arena, Wednesday 15th March at 7:15pm for the final game of the Hungry Jack's NBL Championship Series.
Tickets for game 5 go on sale tonight at 7pm via https://t.co/LSpun4q53l#WeTheKings #NBLFinals pic.twitter.com/6yVnZyYy2r
Simon has been one of the series' top performers through the first four games, on the back of his tone-setting defence but admits he's just been playing his role for the harbour city side.
"As a group, we have confidence in everyone on that bench and in uniform to go out there and do a job for us if called upon," the St. John alum said.
"My job is to be as disruptive as possible and make my opposite number's job as hard as possible, while also bringing the energy, which we all feed off one another.
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"We're such a tight-knit group, from top to bottom, who have been working towards a common goal since September and want to get the just reward for all our hard work.
"Especially if we're able to do it on our home court and share it with everyone inside the club and all our supporters."
Tickets to the fifth game of the NBL Championship are still available here.

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