{"id":34095,"date":"2023-03-16T11:08:56","date_gmt":"2023-03-16T01:08:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/?p=34095"},"modified":"2023-03-16T11:08:59","modified_gmt":"2023-03-16T01:08:59","slug":"game-of-thrones-kings-go-back-to-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/game-of-thrones-kings-go-back-to-back\/","title":{"rendered":"Game of Thrones; Kings go back to back"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

IN a fitting conclusion to NBL23, the Sydney Kings<\/a> have claimed their second consecutive title after producing a stirring comeback to defeat the New Zealand Breakers<\/a> in game five of the Championship Series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kings were tested by a red hot start from the Breakers, and trailed by as much as seven points in the final term. However, sparked by an inspirational performance from Angus Glover<\/a>, the home side clawed its way back into the game in front of a record NBL crowd at Spark Arena, and stormed home to an eight-point triumph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Kings, Derrick Walton Jr<\/a> was awarded the Larry Sengstock Trophy for the Championship MVP, capping off an eye-catching five-game stretch with a terrific performance in the decider. He poured in a team-high 21 points (6\/12 FG, 8\/9 FT), nailing some massive shots down the stretch and playing a massive role in sealing the result of the game. He also added three rebounds and six assists in a best-on performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glover etched his name into folklore in game five, playing through a serious rib injury sustained throughout the match to give his side a much-needed spark. Despite clearly suffering some discomfort, he produced an array of crucial baskets when the Breakers held a potentially match-winning lead. Instead, the cult hero fired off some big buckets on his way to 12 points and nine rebounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xavier Cooks celebrates a big bucket. Photo: Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In his last NBL game, Xavier Cooks<\/a> made sure he went out with a bang, not only holding up a second consecutive championship trophy, but delivering an excellent performance in the process. The NBL MVP finished with 19 points (8\/12 FG) and 11 rebounds in an outstanding double-double before heading over to join the Washington Wizards in the NBA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Breakers were valiant in defeat, and were seven minutes away from lifting up the hardware themselves. Barry Brown Jr.<\/a> was his typical high-scoring self, over coming some inaccuracy from behind the arc to still finish with a game-high 22 points, which was boosted by 7\/11 FG from two-point territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forward Jarrell Brantley<\/a> showcased that the bank was open on his way to 16 points, nailing some impressive three-pointers when New Zealand looked to make a match-winning run. Rising star of the competition William McDowell-White<\/a> also caught the eye, leading from the front when the Breakers got off to a hot start, and finished the match with 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kings’ victory has cemented their status as one of the best sides of the last decade, and the decorated club capped off a dominant season with a terrific comeback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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