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Sydney have retained top spot on the NBL ladder but are on shaky footing heading into their last clash before the playoffs when a new, more intense play-in format modelled on the NBA tips off.
The 36ers upset the Kings 115-108 on Friday, spurred on by a record crowd of 9505 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre as the visitors struggled with sidelined stars.
Sydney Kings coach Chase Buford during the team’s defeat by the Adelaide 36ers.Credit:Getty
The Kings started to tear away from the hosts to take a five-point lead heading into the final quarter, but the 36ers levelled the score and netted a foul shot, a three-pointer and a lay-up in the final minute to clinch the win down the stretch.
“We obviously played some funky line-ups and a couple of times it bit us in the butt,” said Kings coach Chase Buford, who sat star forward Xavier Cooks the whole game and benched Dejan Vasiljevic in the third quarter after he had scored 18 points.
American import Derrick Walton jnr was also sidelined after aggravating a wrist injury in the third term. Buford said all three players were in good shape despite their absences.
“[We’re] coming out of this weekend with health as a priority,” Buford said. “I mean, winning games is great but we need to be healthy and ready for round one of the playoffs. That’s the biggest priority for us coming out of this weekend for sure.”
Derrick Walton Jr (left) and Kai Sotto of the 36ers during Friday’s game. Walton withdrew after aggravating a wrist injury.Credit:Getty
After learning from last year’s championship run, Cooks said they were fighting to remain physical and driven on court.
“In summer last year, we were on a bloody 16-game winning streak going into the playoffs. We felt our shit didn’t stink. This year is a little bit different,” he said, referencing the Kings’ recent back-to-back losses to the Perth Wildcats and the New Zealand Breakers. “We know we can’t be complacent.”