Defence must lift for Kings

THE new-look Sydney Kings continue to look clueless on defence, leaving them facing a near-impossible task of qualifying for the NBL playoffs after back-to-back defeats extended their losing sequence to five.

The addition of last season’s MVP, Jerome Randle, could not reverse Sydney’s fortunes, with losses to Illawarra and Adelaide leaving the club on the bottom of the ladder with two wins from 11 games.

Although pleased with the addition of Randle and centre Jerome Tyler, Sydney coach Andrew Gaze conceded the pressure was on to get everybody up to speed with team systems.

“We won’t make progress if we have to score over 110 points to win a game of basketball,” Gaze said. “Until such a time as we can defend and be confident about our defence, it puts enormous pressure on your offence.”

After giving up a 16-point three-quarter time lead against the Hawks on Thursday night, the Kings scored the first eight points against the 36ers but the home side drew level and then pulled away to end their own three-match losing slide.

Two nights earlier, Sydney held the Hawks to 31 first-half points and built a 19-point lead before faltering in the final term and missing seven free throws in the extra period as Illawarra took the 97-93 win.

In a blow for the NBL’s other big market team, Melbourne United lost at home to Perth Wildcats (91-59).