United edge Kings in John Cain Arena thriller

The Sydney Kings suffered their third straight loss on Thursday, losing 87-83 to Melbourne United at John Cain Arena. 

Match summary 

Bul Kuol opened the Kings’ scoring with a triple, off a sharp pass from new starter Izayah Le’afa, which was swiftly followed by driving efforts by Alex Toohey and Xavier Cooks – to put Sydney up 10-8. In his return, Jaylen Adams caused plenty of issues, creating looks for Tyler Robertson and Cam Oliver. A late triple by Jaylin Galloway ensured the visitors trailed by just one (21-20) at the first change. 

PURCHASE YOUR KINGS HOME GAME TICKETS NOW

Kuol once again scored the Hoops Capital side’s first bucket, with two Cooks inside baskets ensuing – as the back-and-forth game continued. Despite a barrage of triples by the hosts, Oliver kept the purple and gold close. The lead of Dean Vickerman’s side grew to 40-32 with 3.55 to play after a Shae Ili score but quick scores by Toohey and Adams reduced it quickly to five. Shot from downtown by the latter and Le’afa made it a one-point game. A pair of late free-throws by Chris Goulding gave United a 46-43 lead at half-time.  

A steal and lay-in by Toohey got Sydney started in the second half, before a Lea’afa triple and Cooks score reinstated the visitors’ lead. A 9-3 run, sparked by lock-down defence and capped by an emphatic Oliver dunk, put Brian Goorjian’s side up by three. A Matthew Dellavedova three and and-one by Kyle Bowen put United back upon by four. Two straight threes by Tanner Krebs ignited the crowd but Cooks’ effort around the ring and on the glass kept it to a one-possession game (66-64) game at the final change. 

PURCHASE YOUR NBL25 FULL-SEASON MEMBERSHIP NOW

A jam by Cooks and shots from the charity stripe by Oliver got Sydney started in the fourth. The latter was having his own dunk party, as the two rivals exchanged scores. A three by Galloway and floater by Adams put the harbour city side up 77-76. Despite a triple by Oliver, Goulding answered to make it 80-79 with 1.46 to play Adams added two clutch lay-ins down the stretch but a pair of triples of Jack White on the final 90 seconds sealed the hosts’ four-point win. 

Where the match was decided 

The key stat that jumps off the page is the free-throw count, with United shooting 14/19 from the line, with the Kings only attempting six shots from the charity stripe and hitting five. 

The other lob-sided stat was the foul count (16-7). 

Key moment 

With the match there to be won, back-to-back triples by Jack White sealed United’s triumph. 

Player of the game 

Oliver was the standout for the Kings, producing a huge double-double (18 points and 16 rebounds) along with two assists and one steal. 

Others to score in double figures were Cooks (18), Adams (13) and Toohey (10). 

Watch Brian Goorjian's post-game press conference via the 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 

Goorjian’s team, who are now 5-5, now return home to Sydney for a home fixture 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 season at Qudos Bank Arena – with the Flames taking on the UC Capitals beforehand. 

Tickets to the hoops extravaganza are still available here.