The Sydney Kings enhanced their National Basketball League (NBL) playoff aspirations with an 88-77 victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers at Qudos Bank Arena on January 19, 2025. The Kings’ triumph, marked by standout performances and strategic plays, was witnessed by 16,705 enthusiastic fans, the largest crowd since last season’s grand finals.
Kouat Noi was the star of the afternoon for the Kings, delivering a career-high performance with 32 points, including 18 of 19 successful free-throw attempts, which proved pivotal as Sydney sealed the win. "I feel really excited about where we went to win the game," expressed Kings coach Brian Goorjian, highlighting his team's control of the match.
The Kings, now sitting third on the NBL ladder with a record of 15 wins and 10 losses, faced the JackJumpers, who struggled to find their footing this season, currently holding the sixth position with 12 wins and 13 losses. Sydney entered the game riding high after recently defeating the Cairns Taipans, showcasing their potential as they strove for dominance.
Despite being favorites to win, the Kings found themselves challenged by the grit shown by Tasmania, who played without key players Sean Macdonald, Will Magnay, and Majok Deng. Historically, the Kings have performed well against the JackJumpers, winning nine of the last twelve encounters. The JakJumpers, led by the efforts of Milton Doyle, who contributed 21 points, displayed tenacity throughout the game.
The match commenced with both teams exchanging three-point shots; Cam Oliver and Milton Doyle marked the scoring sheet, but the first quarter ended narrowly with Sydney leading 16-15. The defensive nature of the game continued with both teams struggling to maintain momentum, resulting in limited scoring during the subsequent quarters. The Kings were able to hold onto their slim lead going to halftime with 38-34, thanks to their ability to exploit Tasmania's turnovers for points.
Tasmania worked hard to claw back as the second half commenced, starting on solid ground with three-pointers from Reuben Te Rangi and Ian Hummer. Yet, it was the Kings’ Kouat Noi who kept the score ticking for Sydney, finishing the third quarter with 15 points, reclaiming the narrow lead at 56-55 heading to the final period.
The fourth quarter turned out to be thrilling, with both teams exchanging shots to stay close on the scoreboard. Noi continued to assert his dominance, and alongside Jaylen Adams (17 points), the Kings managed to build momentum down the stretch. While the JackJumpers had led briefly with effective three-point shooting from Hummer and Doyle, it was Sydney's late-game surge, where they outscored Tasmania 18-4, sealing the victory.
Despite their loss, JackJumpers coach Scott Roth remained optimistic, stating, "There were just little moments... I believe, and I'm really proud of our group." His sentiments echoed the intensity and effort his team displayed against tough opposition.
This win reiterated the Kings' prowess, especially their ability to capitalize on opponents' mistakes, as they scored 24 points from Tasmania's 17 turnovers. The JackJumpers, on the other hand, need to regroup as they prepare for future matches, particularly their upcoming game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
With their confidence bolstered, the Kings now shift their focus to their next matchup, which promises to be equally competitive, as they aim to solidify their playoff position. Meanwhile, Tasmania must address their persistent issues if they are to remain relevant as the season progresses.
The NBL continues to deliver intense action as teams battle for playoff spots, making every matchup significant as the competition heats up down the stretch.