Sydney, NSW – Today is D-Day for the Sydney Kings. It’s the second game of their best-of-three semifinal series against defending champions Melbourne United.
After last Thursday’s trashing in Melbourne, Sydney are ready to make up for it and make a statement at home.
Game 1 is behind them now. The 95-73 loss showed one thing: United wanted it more than Sydney and they came prepared.
Everything they have is now on the line. Live and learn. Back to the drawing board. There is no more hiding. The coaches can only do so much, the players need to step up their game.
It’s been seven years since Sydney fans got a chance to see their beloved Kings in the playoffs. An estimated 10,000+ fans are expected to throw their support behind Andrew Bogut, Gaze and company.
Game 2 means home court advantage. Time is in their hands, 40 minutes of it today. A loss would eliminate their championship aspirations. A win would put the onus back on United in a final decider in Melbourne.
Whoever wants it bad enough today will put turn it up a notch, but expect both teams to go hard in the opening minutes.
Bogut needs to set the tempo on the defensive end, while the rest of the starters need to have their A-Game on. Expect a physical, emotional game.
This could be Andrew Gaze’s swan song from the club. He has already indicated his desire to leave Sydney after the playoffs. A win would extend his time in purple and gold. A loss would be the end of a three-year rollercoaster ride. It’s still a great way to go on a high, but knowing Gaze, he would want to be in the Finals to fight for a championship.
In any case, you either go hard or go home. Sydney step it up, Kings Nation are back for one final ride.
Marco Selorio is a serial entrepreneur, basketball writer, Master of Ceremonies, event director and promoter. Follow him on Facebook @marcoandreselorio and on Instagram @marcoselorio
