Brisbane will host the Sydney Kings on Friday night with more than local pride on the line. A victory for the Kings would guarantee them the top seed in the National Basketball League (NBL) regular season, a feat they are approaching with focused determination, actively guarding against complacency. The Kings, currently boasting a record of 23 wins and 32 games played, enter the contest as heavy favorites against the Bullets, who have secured only six wins in 32 games.
Despite the significant disparity in records – Brisbane has also lost 13 games at home this season, whereas Sydney has secured 10 away victories – coach Brian Goorjian is emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus. The Kings have won their last ten games, a streak that has propelled them to the top of the NBL standings. However, Goorjian acknowledges the challenge of sustaining that level of performance. “It (consistency) has reach up quite a bit in the last month. One of the hardest things to do is to maintain (form),” Goorjian told the Big Sports Breakfast on Wednesday.
The Kings’ recent surge in form followed a period where they were battling for a lower playoff position. Goorjian explained that the team’s mindset shifted when they realized they had the potential to compete for the top spot. “You move back six weeks and we were fighting for the six. We got over the hump about a month ago and you think we are going to finish fifth or fourth. (It was a case of) no complacency, we’ve got to keep moving forward. We’ve got a chance to be good in the playoffs.”
Goorjian has been actively reinforcing the message of avoiding complacency within the team, both in practice and during games. “The word complacency has been used at practice and going into the games over this last month regularly,” he stated. He stressed the importance of securing a favorable playoff position, noting that avoiding a one-game knockout scenario is crucial in the NBL. “To go and lay an egg in Brisbane would be disappointing but what we have done is secure a position where we are not going to be playing a one game knockout. In this league, it is something you do not want to do.”
The Kings’ recent success includes victories over the Illawarra Hawks and the Perth Wildcats, results that solidified their position at the top of the ladder. ESPN reported that the team is currently on a six-game winning streak.
Fans can watch the game live on Kayo Sports.
Looking ahead, the Kings will aim to carry their momentum into the playoffs. Securing the top seed provides a significant advantage, and Goorjian’s emphasis on consistency suggests the team is determined to maintain its high level of play. The outcome of Friday’s game will not only determine the Kings’ final regular season standing but also set the tone for their playoff campaign.
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