Big-time Kings’ crowded house
SYDNEY Kings are on track for their biggest regular season crowd in more than 16 years when their finals hopes go on the line against archrivals Melbourne United tonight.
In a sign of the public’s response to the Kings’ resurgence, ticket sales are heading towards 10,000 for the crucial clash.
The last time Sydney attracted a crowd around this mark was in the 2007 grand final series against Melbourne Tigers, when 10,244 fans attended the deciding fifth game at the Entertainment Centre.
Sydney have sold more than 9000 tickets for the clash against United and coach Andrew Gaze couldn’t be happier heading into the most important game of the season after the team finished with the wooden spoon last year.
“We’re thrilled that Sydney is getting right behind us for this big game,” Gaze said.
“But ultimately our success is measured in wins and we want that win against Melbourne.
“I think this particular franchise has gone through some tough times. It has been a lean period and I think most people would have the odds of us not making the playoffs, so we’ve still got a bit of work to do.
“But we feel like we are playing the type of basketball that is good enough to compete.
“Ultimately you want to be able to compete for a cham- pionship and I feel like we are heading in the right direction in the last week or so.”
In a major boost for the Kings, star swingman Brad Newley has been cleared to return from his hamstring injury.
“I’ve had a good week on the track and the boys have been good fitting me in, so I’m just pumped,” Newley said.
“It’s a playoff game for both teams and it’s going to be great here. We just want to put on a good show and get the win.
“You really feel like basketball is back up and about in this country and we just want to feed off the fans.
“If you look at it in comparison to last season where they won six games, we’ve essentially doubled that tally.
“I think if we get in the playoffs it’s a big success for us and we should be happy.”
Kings skipper Kevin Lisch said a win would put the team in “a very good position” in the dogfight for the three remaining finals berths.
“If we can’t get up for a game like this, we can’t get up for any game. I don’t think we need any extra motivation.”