THE Sydney Kings have come from behind to claim a crucial 85-75 victory over the Adelaide 36ers, keeping them in the frame for a finals spot.
Trailing 42-37 at the half, the Kings went to a defensive clampdown through the third period, a savvy decision by Head Coach Adam Forde that turned the game.
Five Kings scored in double figures on the night, led by Jarell Martin, who was a force at both ends with 20 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Jordan Hunter had 15 points on six of nine shooting, Craig Moller finished with a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double, and Daniel Kickert had 12 huge points off the bench.
Casper Ware struggled shooting the ball, going just 2/11 from the field, although he was his usual efficient self at the free throw line, going 8/9 there to finish with 13 points, but it was his assist numbers that were so impressive.
Casper’s 12 dimes on the night were the most in Sydney Kings franchise history in a 40-minute NBL game, and the most recorded by a Kings’ player since Sydney Kings Legend CJ Bruton had 12 assists in a game, ironically, against the 36ers in Adelaide in 2005.
As they continue their quest for the playoffs, the Kings face an overseas road double in Round 19.
They will play the New Zealand Breakers on Thursday at The Trusts Arena in Auckland, with the second game of the round against the Breakers on Saturday at TSB Stadium in New Plymouth. Tipoff for both games is 5.30pm.
