An explosive third quarter has powered the Sydney Kings to their fourth consecutive win of the season, defeating the Illawarra Hawks 90-73.
It was a full team effort from the Kings with three players finishing in double figures, led by Brad Newley with 20 points.
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The Kings sealed the win with a 25-6 third quarter, hitting six three-pointers from 15 attempts and finishing the game on 41 per cent from deep.
The Hawks meanwhile still haven’t won a game since their opening round victory over the Adelaide 36ers and struggled to score in the second half.
Illawarra were also uncharacteristically sloppy with the ball, allowing Sydney to score 28 points off 21 turnovers.
Sydney lead by as much as 29 and coach Andrew Gaze credits the team for coming up big on the defensive end after half-time.
“I was really happy; we cranked it up, got some stops and got our nose in front. Both teams were there on the offence but it was really good defence.
“I never envisaged that we would crank it up like that in the third quarter.
“The way we applied ourselves on the defensive end is where we won it.”
The Hawks meanwhile were disappointed with their performance, particularly with their inability to step up to plate when challenged by Sydney.
“That third quarter was diabolical and it was embarrassing for us. Sydney were outstanding tonight and that’s the way I want us to be playing.”
Andrew Ogilvy was particularly upset with the loss and expressed his disappointment with the team’s lack of effort.
“We retreated back into our shell.
“Last year we had guys who gave their heart and soul every game and tonight we didn’t have that.”
When asked about what the team plans to rebound from such a loss, head coach Rob Beveridge was critical of himself and the team.
“[You have to] look in the mirror. I’m doing it to myself. Did I coach great? No I didn’t. I hold myself extremely accountable and hold myself to high standards.”
Kings coach Gaze later spoke about the competitiveness of the NBL but was hesitant to get look too much into the victory.
“We’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves because it’s still competitive and it’s a long way to go.
“There was more good than bad but in this league if you’re bad for long periods, unlike other seasons, you’ll lose.
“Hopefully we have potential to get better and if we don’t we won’t be competing for a championship.”
The Hawks will host the Perth Wildcats next round while face the Brisbane Bullets, who defeated them in the first round of the season.
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