The Sydney Kings have survived a fourth-quarter meltdown to stay in high spot on the NBL desk, defeating the New Zealand Breakers 88-81 at Auckland’s Spark Arena.
After assuming management within the opening time period of Friday’s top-of-the-table blockbuster, the Kings solid forward by 16 factors halfway by means of the third interval earlier than virtually throwing victory away with a sudden slew of turnovers.
Their benefit was trimmed to 4 factors with two minutes remaining within the absorbing contest earlier than import playmaker Derrick Walton Jr ended the reigning champions’ dry spell with a match-sealing, shot-clock-beating three contained in the final 80 seconds.
Walton (21 factors) and captain Xavier Cooks (18 factors, 11 rebounds) led the cost for the Kings who moved to 10-3.
“When you get nine points and eight turnovers in the fourth quarter, that’s not very good,” Sydney coach Chase Buford stated.
“But we were able to hold them to 17 and just sneak across after Derrick hit a huge shot for us.
“Our guys got here out with the precise mindset and dealt with the strain for lots of the evening.”
Izaya Le’Afa top-scored for the Breakers (11-5) with 17 points, including 5-of-6 from downtown, while fellow guard Will McDowell-White impressed with 16 points and eight assists.
WIth Le’Afa hot from the outset, NZ knocked down three early triples from as many attempts before Sydney uncorked a 14-0 burst to progress from 9-3 down to 17-9 up.
The Kings dominated on the glass and shot a sizzling 73 per cent from the floor throughout the frenetic, high-octane first quarter, at the end of which they led 34-25.
Dererk Pardon’s spin around Tim Soares and dunk was the highlight of the second term, later marginally outdone by Justin Simon’s monstrous slam in transition in the third as the two powerhouse outfits traded blows.
Jaylin Galloway’s corner triple on the three-quarter-time buzzer pushed the visitors’ cushion to 79-64 before NZ charged home hard.
The Kings were reeling as the Breakers extended their defence pressure, gradually chipping into the deficit but not quite able to reel it in.
“We did not begin the sport with the precise depth or the precise self-discipline on defence,” Breakers coach Mody Maor stated.
“We gave up 34 factors within the first quarter – that is one thing you may’t do in opposition to the defending champions as a way to compete.”
