THE opening round of the National Basketball League (NBL) has concluded, with some cracking contests across the league. One of the most entertaining clashes we saw over the weekend was the match between the Sydney Kings and Melbourne United on Sunday afternoon. The two sides have enjoyed an entertaining rivalry over recent years, given their sustained levels of success, and Sunday provided another chapter in this.

After winning last year’s championship, Melbourne United entered this clash heavily favoured to emerge victorious, but this confidence was dealt a cruel blow when star Chris Goulding was ruled out of the match. However, the reigning champs were still facing a Kings side that missed the finals last year, and despite some impressive form in the NBL Blitz from Sydney, the expectations were low.

This soon changed when the side delivered an eye-catching performance, essentially completing the rebranding of their game that took place over the offseason as they defeated the NBL21 champions by five points at Qudos Bank Arena in front of a packed crowd.

When new head coach Chase Buford was announced, there was speculation as to what he would bring to the team, and these questions were fully answered in Sunday’s match. Sydney are now known as the ‘six seconds or less Kings’, which is a metaphor for the fast pace the team now aims to run with.

Buford has implemented one of the most exciting game plans in the entire competition, with the goal being for the side to put up a shot in the first six seconds of their possession. This often disrupts the defensive plans of the opposition and creates a surprisingly open shot. It was made famous by NBA head coach Mike D’Antoni during the 2005-06 season with the Phoenix Suns, where he ran with a similar philosophy to Buford.

It worked a treat on Sunday afternoon, with United’s defence unable to react at times to the fast paced frenzy that occurred when the Kings ran the ball up the court. There were plenty of dunks and layups as the side pushed the tempo and found themselves out the back of the defence in a display that was quite entertaining to watch for fans around the country.

The short time between the beginning of a possession and the field goal attempt also resulted in the side pulling down more offensive rebounds, as the United defence were unable to plant themselves in ideal box-out and rebounding position given the short amount of time that had passed. It was evident that United were taken back by this, with the Kings jumping out to a big lead midway through the contest.

There was one flaw in the game style that revealed itself as the match went on, with the Kings committing seven more turnovers than their opponents. This demonstrates the high-risk, high-reward game plan that the Kings will be using this year, and if they can figure out a way to take better care of the ball when executing their offence, they will likely prove tough to beat.

The chaotic style of the Kings appears set to stay in 2021, and if Sunday afternoon is any indication, than it will have the capability to tear apart any team that Sydney faces this season.