Kings, United record remarkable road wins

THE FINAL night of action in Round 17 of the National Basketball League (NBL) saw the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United record impressive victories on the road over the SEM Phoenix and the Perth Wildcats respectively.

With both clashes likely to have a massive effect on the final shape of the top four, it was a fitting way to close out a bumper round of action.

It all began at State Basketball Centre in Gippsland, as the Phoenix hosted the Kings with a chance to move into the top four. The hosts came into the clash as arguably the form team of the NBL, having knocked off some quality opponents of late. However, the Kings took home the chocolates the last time these sides clashed, and would have been quietly confident.

Despite not having home court advantage, Sydney produced a statement win on the eve of the finals, knocking off a fellow top-four contender and showing why it is still considered a threat for the championship.

The second period was the defining factor, with the Kings showing power on the offensive end and moving the ball to perfection. A 36-23 quarter put the Phoenix on the back foot, and although South East Melbourne tried to mount a comeback in the second half, it was unsuccessful as the Kings held on for an 11-point win.

Point guard Jaylen Adams was at his damaging best on the offensive end, producing 20 points, four rebounds and nine assists on 50 per cent shooting from the field. He had plenty of help from Kouat Noi, who knocked down six triples on nine attempts off the bench.

For the Phoenix, Nathan Sobey fought hard in the absence of Derrick Walton Jr, and posted a game-high 28 points, nailing all 11 of his attempts from the free throw line.

The action continued out West, as United claimed one of the toughest road wins in the NBL, defeating the Wildcats by six points at RAC Arena on Wednesday night.

Both sides have been gunning for a top-two spot, and were hardly separated on the ladder. However, Perth would have a significant advantage considering the travel involved for Melbourne, and the hosts had also been in ripping form of late.

It was a tussle for all four quarters, with neither side able to truly gain ascendancy at any stage of the match. Despite being on the road, United kept its nose in front in the last quarter, grinding out a gutsy win down the stretch to move closer to a guaranteed semi-final berth.

Although he did not record the best numbers, Shea Ili‘s ability to shut down Bryce Cotton was crucial in deciding the result of the match. The MVP favourite was restricted to just 14 points, five rebounds and five assists on 5/17 shooting from the field and was unable to take over when the game was on the line.

Melbourne forward Jack White was impressive for the victors, posting a huge double-double of 26 points and 16 rebounds on an efficient 9/12 shooting, engaging in an enthralling duel with Kristian Doolittle, who had 33 points of his own.