NBL Rd 21 - Illawarra v Sydney
Sport by Michael Randall 3rd Jun 2021 10:13 PM
The Sydney Kings will cross their fingers for two South East Melbourne Phoenix losses after keeping their slim NBL Finals hopes alive with victory over Illawarra Hawks.
With Hawksâ superstar Tyler Harvey a shock late injury omission, the Kings handled coach Brian Goorjianâs rotating cast with a late flurry to register a character-building 79-73 win.
To book a spot in the playoffs, the Kings now need to defeat Brisbane Bullets on Saturday and hope the Phoenix fall to both New Zealand Breakers the same day and then to the Bullets on Tuesday in the last game of the season.
NBL Rd 21 - Illawarra v Sydney
Sport by Michael Randall 3rd Jun 2021 10:13 PM
The Sydney Kings will cross their fingers for two South East Melbourne Phoenix losses after keeping their slim NBL Finals hopes alive with victory over Illawarra Hawks.
With Hawksâ superstar Tyler Harvey a shock late injury omission, the Kings handled coach Brian Goorjianâs rotating cast with a late flurry to register a character-building 79-73 win.
To book a spot in the playoffs, the Kings now need to defeat Brisbane Bullets on Saturday and hope the Phoenix fall to both New Zealand Breakers the same day and then to the Bullets on Tuesday in the last game of the season.
Jarell Martin starred with a double-double against the Hawks.
Photo by Matt King/Getty Images
The Kings entered the contest needing to win their final two games of the regular season to have any chance of sneaking past South-East Melbourne Phoenix into the fourth and final playoffs spot.
Their chances received an enormous boost when, with his side already qualified for the playoffs, Hawks coach Brian Goorjian pulled Harvey from the game just before tip-off.
Illawarra, who are undefeated when Harvey scores at least 25 points, showed plenty of tenacity in going toe-to-toe with their long-time state rivals.
However, led by double-doubles from twin big men Jarell Martin (23 points, 10 rebounds) and Xavier Cooks (19 points, 10 rebounds), the Kings joined South-East Melbourne on 18 wins.