Match Report: Phoenix Blitz Kings

The South East Melbourne Phoenix took advantage of a flying start to beat the Sydney Kings 81-75 on the opening night of the NBL Blitz on Saturday.

The Phoenix flew out of the blocks at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre in the second game on the opening night of the NBL Blitz leading into the 2021/22 season.

Both teams were minus some big name stars with the Kings without import pair RJ Hunter and Jaylen Adams along with Next Star Makur Maker while the Phoenix didn’t have Cam Gliddon, Dane Pineau and Mitch Creek sat out the second half.

It was the Phoenix in control from the outset, though, leading 9-2 early on and going on to lead by as much as 19 points before ending up winning by six. 

The Phoenix showed plenty to suggest they are going to be in the hunt to back up last year's semi-final appearance and they looked especially strong with Mitch Creek on the floor, who put up 17 points in the first half including knocking down three three-pointers.

Chinese superstar Zhou Qi got the start in the centre spot and the signs for the Phoenix with him were exciting too as the former Houston Rocket produced 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots in 14 minutes of court time before fouling out.

The impressive signs continued for the Phoenix with Ryan Broekhoff looking hungry and healthy, and finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks while getting through almost 32 minutes of game time.

Kyle Adnam was hot property in the off-season but elected to stay with the Phoenix and started his pre-season well with 16 points while Xavier Munford added 10 points and four rebounds despite shooting just 3/14 from the field.

The Phoenix hit the court for game 2 of the NBL Blitz on Monday when they take on the Illawarra Hawks from 5.30pm. 

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL BLITZ

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 81 (Creek 17, Adnam 16, Broekhoff 12)
SYDNEY KINGS 75 (Martin 15, Vodanovich 12, Cooks 10)

Phoenix Media (13/11/2021)