‘They blew it’: Rucker calls out Kings’ missed chance

After four thrilling games of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Championship Series, the Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers are tied two-all.

In the two games the 36ers have won, including Wednesday night’s one-point victory, they’ve triumphed by a total of three points.

In contrast, the Kings have won their two Series fixtures by a total of 57 points, including Game 1’s historic 44-point win.

According to 1990 NBL MVP Derek Rucker, those figures both show Adelaide’s ability to play in the clutch, but also Sydney’s inability to finish of their rivals, who they led by as many as nine points on Wednesday.

“The Kings blew two opportunities in the third quarter when they had control and could not put the Sixers away,” Rucker said on Wednesday’s Moments That Mattered, presented by Mitsubishi Motors.

“It is not only about what Sydney failed to do, [because] Adelaide also made plays.

“Still, you expected a team with Sydney’s experience, leadership, and the on court talent of Kendric Davis to finish the job.

“This is now two games in Adelaide where they have blown strong leads. Now they face the prospect of having to deal with Bryce Cotton in a Game 5.”

A key factor in Wednesday’s dramatic win for Adelaide was its balanced scoring, with all five starters finishing in double figures.

Zylan Cheatham led the way with 23 points, while Bryce Cotton and Dejan Vasiljevic each added 19. Flynn Cameron contributed 11, and Isaac Humphries chipped in with 10.

“It [the win] all started with Zylan Cheatham. He had 23 points and 9 assists and was decisive with the ball. His floater was excellent. He made big plays in the second quarter and again down the stretch,” Rucker said.

“Humphries was huge on the boards. DJ Vasiljevic showed why he is a dual NBL champion. Everyone rose to the occasion.

“[And] once Bryce figured out the Kings pushing him to his right hand, he became very effective.

“He set defenders up smartly and used pace to get by them, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. He finished with 12 assists.

“He understands that scoring 30 plus may not always be possible, so he finds balance, protects the ball, and does whatever it takes to win.”

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Now all the Australian basketball community’s attention turns to Qudos Bank Arena, a venue in which the Kings have closed out their past two NBL championships.

On the day, Rucker expects the Kings to respond and for six-time MVP Cotton to reach even greater heights.

“It is disappointing [right now for the Kings], but not unfamiliar territory. They will regroup and be ready for Sunday, [because, at the end of the day] if they win Game 5, the end goal is achieved,” he said.

“[But you have to factor in] everything is heightened in these moments, including pressure and nerves.

“You still have to deal with Bryce Cotton in crunch time. He is the greatest shot-maker the NBL has seen.

“If he is rested and confident, he is extremely dangerous.

“Brian Goorjian will focus on the defensive breakdowns late, particularly in the fourth quarter.

“[This] should be one of the biggest moments in NBL history.”

Game 5 of the Championship Series tips off at 2.30pm AEST on Sunday at Qudos Bank Arena, live on ESPN and 10.