In a heart-stopping finish, the Sydney Kings orchestrated a magnificent comeback to defeat the SEM Phoenix 74-69 in Friday night’s thrilling NBL clash. Trailing by 10 points with just over 7 minutes remaining, the Kings refused to go down without a fight, mounting a spirited rally that sent shockwaves through the basketball world.
Phoenix’s Defensive Dominance
The Phoenix, who have undergone a remarkable transformation since appointing Josh King as head coach, entered the game with a fierce defensive mindset. Having won four of their last five matches while holding opponents to a miserly 77 points per game, they aimed to suffocate the Kings’ offensive firepower.
For the majority of the contest, the Phoenix’s game plan worked to perfection. They restricted the Kings to a mere 14 points in the first quarter, 18 in the second, and 17 in the third. Former King Angus Glover’s three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter extended the Phoenix lead to a seemingly insurmountable 10 points.
Kings’ Comeback Kings
However, the Kings had other ideas. Refusing to accept defeat, they embarked on a scintillating 11-0 run, ignited by 7 quick points from sharpshooting forward Kouat Noi. Former league MVPs Jaylen Adams and Xavier Cooks then took center stage, propelling the Kings into the lead for the first time in the game.
We knew we had to dig deep and find a way to win. The Phoenix made us work for every single point, but we never lost belief in ourselves or each other.
Jaylen Adams, Sydney Kings point guard
The Phoenix briefly regained the upper hand through an Owen Foxwell three-pointer, but Adams had the final say. The dynamic point guard, still nursing a sore back, took over in the clutch, scoring the game’s last 7 points, including a dagger corner three that sealed the Kings’ incredible comeback victory.
Statistical Standouts
Adams led the way for Sydney with a stellar performance, tallying 20 points and 7 assists. His backcourt partner, Xavier Cooks, was equally impressive, recording a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Kouat Noi provided valuable scoring support off the bench, chipping in 16 points.
For the Phoenix, Angus Glover top-scored with 17 points against his former team. Nathan Sobey contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds, while Joe Wieskamp added 9 points. However, star power forward Matt Hurt endured a difficult shooting night, managing just 6 points on 3-of-16 from the field.
Resilience and Character
The Kings’ stirring comeback victory showcased their resilience and character. Despite being stifled by the Phoenix’s suffocating defense for most of the game, they found a way to dig deep and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The win improves their record to 7-5 for the season, solidifying their position as genuine title contenders.
This was a true team effort. Every player stepped up when it mattered most, and that’s the mark of a championship-caliber squad. We’ll savor this win, but we know there’s still a long way to go in this season.
Chase Buford, Sydney Kings head coach
As the NBL season continues to unfold, the Kings have once again demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion and overcome adversity. With a roster brimming with talent and experience, they loom as a formidable force in the quest for the ultimate prize. Friday night’s thrilling comeback victory over the Phoenix serves as a powerful reminder of their championship credentials.
