The Breakers’ four late triples gave them a 20-17 lead before the Kings kicked up the intensity, as Xavier Cooks (12 points, seven rebounds, two blocked shots), Jarell Martin (seven points, six rebounds) and Makur Maker (10 points, five rebounds) began to impose their will offensively.
But not so fast. New Zealand sprinted out of the blocks to start the third with the first eight points of the quarter and the game turned into a dogfight again, with Dejan Vasiljevic (16 points, six rebounds) knocking down a triple to end the Breaker surge. Jaylen Adams (19 points, six rebounds, five assists) then awoke from his first-half slumber with seven points to keep Sydney’s noses in front.
He then made the biggest play of the night, knocking down a straightaway three-point bomb to secure the win for his team.
“They’re a good team, and Dan’s (Dan Shamir) a hell of a coach,” Head Coach Chase Buford said afterwards.
“Credit to them, they made it really tough on us, and if I said that the other night wasn’t a grind, this was definitely a grind-it-out win.”
The Kings head home this Sunday for a game against the Adelaide 36ers at Qudos Bank Arena with tipoff scheduled for 3pm.
Kings strengthen reign with win
ACHIEVING their 12th consecutive victory, the Sydney Kings found a way to outlast a gutsy New Zealand Breakers 76-70 last Tuesday night at Bendigo Basketball Stadium.