The Sydney Kings’ hopes of defending their NBL crown hinge on switching into sudden-death mode for the remainder of the common season, says wing Angus Glover.
The back-to-back reigning champions had been below stress with just one win from six video games earlier than gorgeous ladder-leading Melbourne United at house on Sunday.
A assured semi-final berth stays off the desk for Sydney; the Perth Wildcats can verify they’ll be part of United within the high two by successful one in every of their ultimate 4 video games.
But the make-up of the play-in bracket, launched final season and contested by the groups ending third to sixth, is far much less clear-cut.
With three rounds left within the common season, either side right down to last-placed South East Melbourne might nonetheless attain the play-in match, the place two of 4 groups progress to semi-final sequence.
The Kings’ path to a play-in berth, and step one to clinching a 3rd consecutive title, begins with Friday’s away conflict in opposition to the resurgent Adelaide 36ers.
“Basically every game from here is a play-off game,” Glover instructed AAP.
“Everyone’s competing for that top six spot.
“For us, it is good follow hopefully going into the highest six on the finish of the 12 months however on the finish of the day we have nonetheless received to go on the market and carry out.”
Sydney cannot afford a repeat of their last meeting against the Sixers, who have won five of their last six.
Adelaide outworked the Kings on rebounds when they clashed in mid-January and restricted them to only eight second-quarter points – Sydney’s lowest return for any period this season.
But Glover believes the win over United highlighted the Kings’ ability to handle high-pressure games.
“When we’ve got our backs in opposition to the wall, we are likely to all the time get a lead to our favour,” he mentioned.
“To play the way in which we performed on Sunday was clearly an excellent signal for us hopefully going ahead for the final three (video games within the common season).”
Injured Kings forward DJ Hogg has trained this week and is a chance to play his first game since December.
Shoulder issues have scuppered the American in his first season with Sydney, who have been unsure of his return timeline throughout his latest spell on the pine.
“Obviously that is an enormous enhance if he’s on the market,” Glover mentioned.
“This time of 12 months, you wish to get your full squad again.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
