Kings push past Snakes in thriller
Two-time MVP Kevin Lisch nailed two clutch three-point shots in over-time to help lift the Sydney Kings to a nail-biting 98-90 NBL home win over the Cairns Taipans.
Scores were tied at 84-all at the end of regulation before Lisch (24 points) answered in crunch time, as the Kings claimed their second win of the season.
Cairns import Melo Trimble scored 30 points, eight assists and three steals, while teammate DJ Newbill had 18 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. Sydney boosted their record to 2-2 while the Taipans are now alone at the bottom of the ladder with one win from four games.
CAIRNS slumped to the bottom of the NBL ladder with a heartbreaking overtime loss in Sydney yesterday.
A brilliant layup from star guard Melo Trimble levelled the scores with 13 seconds to play and took the Taipans into extra time.
But the Snakes, backing up from Friday night’s loss to the Adelaide 36ers, couldn’t get the job done, losing 98-90.
Two-time MVP Kevin Lisch nailed two clutch three-point shots in overtime to lift the Kings to a nailbiting win.
Scores were tied at 84-all at the end of regulation before Lisch (24 points) answered in crunch time.
The Taipans are now 1-3 and face a must-win game at the Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday night against Melbourne United.
Coach Mike Kelly said he was disappointed after the game, but optimistic about the future.
“I definitely think it was a game we could have won,” he said. “I look at the ladder and we’d love to be 3-1 instead of 1-3. But when I look at the bigger picture of where we are at and where we are going – I like where we are going.
“I love our group. We’re not satisfied with where we are, but I wouldn’t say we are anxious.”
Little split Cairns and Sydney throughout the match at Qudos Bank Arena, a venue the Taipans have yet to win at in nine attempts.
The Taipans led 20-18 at quarter time and all 20 points came from inside the paint.
Big man Nate Jawai took the early points against former NBA colleague Andrew Bogut, but it was Bogut who ended up with overall honours.
“I felt comfortable. It’s been a long off-season for myself and a good one. So coming up against him was special because I know Andrew personally,” Jawai said.
“He’s a great player and a great defender. I felt like I’m back to my normal self. Physically I have got to get better but that’s going to come.”
Bogut had zero points and two rebounds at half time, but bounced back strongly to finish with eight points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three blocks.
Jawai said despite a tough start to the season there was a good vibe among the playing group, adding that some players were perhaps too team orientated.
“Everyone is trying to find their place. Some of the guys need to be selfish to know when to take their shots,” the veteran centre said.
Jawai finished with 11 points and four rebounds.
Kings import Jerome Randle tallied 22 points for the home side, while Daniel Kickert was also instrumental with 19 points.
Trimble was the best player on the floor, notching 30 points, eight assists and three steals for the visitors.
Kelly said Trimble still had room for improvement, but liked his progression.
“He was up and down in the pre-season. He could score but at times he was indifferent to defence,” the coach said.
“I think he’s tried to get better. He’s had his moments but I’m excited for him. He’s only 23 years old.
“He’s going to continue to blossom because he listens and he wants to get better.”
Fellow import Devon Hall again struggled to find his range, shooting at 25 per cent for eight points.
“The great thing with Dev is that he’s continuing to work through his shooting struggles,” Kelly said. “It’ll come for him. I know he can shoot the ball and I can’t fault his work.”
DJ Newbill, who missed Friday night’s game with a shoulder complaint, had 18 points, 10 rebounds and four steals.
Devon Hall added eight points, six rebounds and three assists, Jarrod Kenny five points, while Rob Loe had five points and six rebounds.