DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH REPORT: Phoenix Usurped by Fourth-Quarter Kings
By
Phoenix Media
8 Nov
1
min read


The Phoenix fell foul of a fast-finishing Sydney in the Harbour City, head coach Josh King suffering his first loss at the helm, 74-69.
The Kings went on a 20-3 run in the final six minutes to snatch victory from the Phoenix’s hands in front of a packed Qudos Bank Arena.
The trio of Jordi Hunter, Angus Glover and Tom Vodanovich hit the floor for the first time in opposition colours looking to pilfer points out of Sydney.
The subplot of Josh King’s unblemished record saw the Phoenix shoot out of the blocks, Glover the main culprit dropping eight (3-5 FGA) first quarter points in the opening term on his friends turned foes.
A 22-14 lead for the visitors but the momentum swung quickly to the Kings, but the Phoenix’s defensive mantra quickly switched gear, denying the hosts the lead and maintaining the lead through the first half.
Co-captain Nathan Sobey reigned in three offensive rebounds before the main break to put pressure on the opposition, with Matt Hurt unable to continue his golden run leaving it to the rest of the squad to fill the hole.
Next Star Malique Lewis’s stocks continued to rise, posting seven points and eight rebounds, including an ESPN Top 10-worthy block in the closing stages.
But it was the deadly trio of Xavier Cooks, Jaylen Adams that turned the tide, a 25-13 final quarter the final dagger, resigning the Phoenix to their first road loss in four attempts.
The visitors led all the way up to 3.56 remaining in the fourth, and couldn’t halt the Goorjian-led momentum.
The Phoenix will now look toward the Taipans on Sunday to round out Indigenous Round.
FULL TIME STATS
Glover: 17p/4r/2a/1stl
Sobey: 12p/7r/4a/2stls
Wieskamp: 9p/4r/1a/1stl
Hunter: 8p/2r/2stls
Lewis: 7p/8r/3a/1stl/1blk
Hurt: 6p/5r/2stls/3blks
Vodanovich: 5p/3r
Foxwell: 5p/1r/3a
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