Kings far from disgraced in historic clash with Jazz
SYDNEY were courageous and spirited, but in the end it was Joe Ingles’ cast of NBA stars that helped the birthday boy blow out the brave Kings’ candles.
Celebrating his 30th birthday, Ingles received the perfect present as his Jazz physically outmatched Sydney to christen their newly refurbished home court in style with a 108- 83 victory.
Former Duke University guard Rodney Hood led the way for Utah, with a potent display from the perimeter.
Hood finished with a gamehigh 18 points, including four of six three- pointers.
But it was the Jazz’s big men, Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favours, who ultimately set up the win with their imposing presence in the paint.
Gobert was particularly impressive with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Utah’s Australian connection Ingles and Dante Exum finished with four points and eight points respectively.
Utah coach Quin Snyder was far from satisfied with his team’s performance, but praised Sydney for their refusal to give in.
“I thought they showed a lot of character being down like they were,” Snyder said.
“It was a 20- point game in the first quarter and the game could have gone either way.
“I think the score was deceiving in that through the meat of the game they were in the game, shot it well.
“I know Andrew ( Gaze) and obviously they are a very well coached team.”
Kings import Perry Ellis excelled to reinforce his NBA potential with a team- high 14 points matching up on Utah’s French centre Gobert.
Kings skipper Kevin Lisch had 13 points and said he was proud of his players.
“I think we did some really good things,” Lisch said.
“We came out pretty tentative and hesitant, but that is to be expected.”