Leading by 16 points with less than seven minutes remaining in the game, the visitors looked to have the game in the bag, but the Kings showed their ‘never say die’ attitude and charged back to snatch an 86-80 victory in front of 13,103 fans.
Didi Louzada shone bright at exactly the right moment, hitting a three-pointer with 44 seconds left that gave the Kings their first lead since midway through the second quarter.
Jae’Sean Tate was also superb for Sydney scoring 23 points and five rebounds, while Brad Newley was sensational off the bench with 17 points and five rebounds and Xavier Cooks was also on song with 13 points, nine rebounds and four assists. While Casper Ware on seven points, had an uncharacteristically quiet game, he scored crucial points when it counted.
The win let the Kings land an enormous psychological blow as they headed into Game Two at Melbourne Arena last night.
If necessary a third and final game between the two teams to decide the semi final winner, will be played at Qudos on Thursday night.
Trying to win their first championship since 2005, it has been 12 years since Sydney’s last NBL finals victory and the club is breathtakingly close to its first grand final berth since 2008.
Kings edge closer to grand final berth
RECORDING an epic come from behind win over Melbourne United, the Sydney Kings kept fans on the edge of their seats at Qudos Bank Arena right to the final whistle on Saturday night.