Wildcats fightback to defeat Kings despite Bolden's big night

The Sydney Kings have suffered their second straight defeat on Friday, losing 114-105 to the Perth Wildcats at RAC Arena. 

The round nine contest, which saw the Kings drop from second to fourth on the ladder, marked two-time NBL champion Shaun Bruce’s 300th in the league. 

Match summary 

In his return game, Jordi Hunter scored the first four points for the Kings on Friday night, as they led 4-2. A corner triple by Jaylen Adams soon after made it 10-5, before a through-the-legs pass by Denzel Valentine to DJ Hogg (leading to another three) saw the margin grow to eight (15-7). The energy on the glass and shots from downtown by Jonah Bolden - leading to 10 first-quarter points - saw the lead balloon to double-digits. But a late flurry by Jesse Wagstaff (combined with the Kings going 1-7 from the charity stripe) brought the game back to 26-23 at the first change. 

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An early triple and driving lay-up by Adams early in the second kept the scoreboard ticking over. But the hosts continued to score too, with four straight by Bryce Cotton giving them their first lead since the first term with 5.17 to play in the term. An alley-oop by Adams to DJ Hogg settled the visitors - sparking an 11-3 run that combined threes from Bolden (two) and Shaun Bruce in his 300th NBL game. More damage from downtown by Valentine, Hogg and Bolden (who was 7/7 from the field - including five triples -  for 19 points) late in the period ensured the Hoops Capital side led 57-50 at half-time. 

These gentlemen are clinical, they’re creating, they’re cooking.

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— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) December 1, 2023

A tough driving lay-up by Hogg started proceedings in the third but another missed free-throw (three of their first 11) prevented the and-one. Five quick points (capping an 11-4 run) levelled the scores at 61-all. Yet another triple by Bolden, followed by a poster dunk by the Bankstown protected, restored the harbour city side’s lead. Adams then added five straight but that was quickly evaporated by a Cotton (who had 29 through three quarters) onslaught - seeing it all tied up (83-all) at the final change. 

Multiple buckets by Adams pushed the Kings’ lead out to a two-possession game before the rivals traded baskets - seeing the Cats retake the lead following scores by Keanu Pinder and Wagstaff. Despite a clutch triple by Hogg, Cotton remained hot for the hosts. Down the stretch, the Kings’ inability to convert from the free-throw line, secure a defensive rebound and contain Cotton (who finished with 41 points (a career regular-season high), seven assists and five rebounds) saw them lose their second straight game 114-105. 

Where the match was decided 

Free-throws killed the Kings, who were 16/30 from the line, on the night, despite them hitting a record 19 triples against Perth at RAC Arena (eclipsing the old mark of 15). 

Other statistical wins in rebounding (48-43), steals (9-3), turnovers (6-12), points in the paint (54-30), points off turnovers (18-8) and fastbreak points (19-9) saw John Rillie’s side triumph. 

Key moment 

With the match in the balance, the Wildcats outscored the Kings 31-22 in the final quarter to secure their sixth straight win. 

Player of the game 

Bolden easily had his best as a Kings, hitting seven triples on his way to a career-high 28 points, five rebounds and one block. 

Others to score in double-figures for the purple and gold were Adams (21 points, eight dimes and six boards), Hogg (20 points, six rebounds and four assists) and Valentine (13 points and nine boards). 

Watch Mahmoud Abdelfattah and Denzel Valentine discuss the result in the 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 7-5, will look to return to the winner’s circle next Thursday when they travel to Cairns to take on the Taipans from 6.30pm AEDT. 

The Kings’ next home fixture is on Sunday, December 10, where they’ll host South East Melbourne from 3.45pm at Qudos Bank Arena as part of the DC Multiverse Round. 

Tickets for that clash are available here.