Phoenix Prevail in Comeback Win Over the Kings

The Puerto Rican guard managed 26 points, after a stunning third term scoring 17 points and an unblemished 5-5 from beyond the arc.

He was ably assisted by the Phoenix’s newest recruit Tyler Cook, who managed 29 points in his second outing for the team.

Cook proved un-guardable at times, using his hulking frame in the low-post to muscle the Kings’ big men out of his way.

The Kings got out to a 21-point lead, but through Browne and Ben Ayre (18 points) they reigned that in with six minutes remaning and never looked back.

Mike Kelly’s team were dealt a blow before tip-off, with Mitch Creek ruled out and Craig Moller managed after his hit-out with the Jackjumpers on Saturday.

In a look forward to what we could see in NBL24, Kelly entrusted three of the Phoenix’s development players (Kody Stattmann, Anzac Rissetto and Austin Rapp) to start the second half alongside Owen Fowell and Ayre, despite a 10-point deficit.

Jaylin Galloway shot out of the blocks for the Kings, scoring all of their first seven points, leading Sydney’s scorers.

Rhys Vague and Will Cummings fell into early foul trouble, three each before the half, forcing the coaches to change tactics.

The victory was Kelly’s first against an NBL side since beginning with South East Melbourne.

Phoenix will return to the court on Wednesday afternoon for their final Blitz game against the Cairns Taipans at 1pm AEST.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src='https://cdn.nbl.com.au/embed/embed.html?url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k04uQomEkMQ' title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

FT Stats

Cook: 29p/9r/3stls/1blk
Browne: 26p/3a/2stls
Ayre: 18p/2r/1a/2stls
Cummings: 11p/3r/1a/2stls
Te Rangi: 5p/2r/1a
Foxwell: 4p/2r/2a/1stl
Vague: 4r/1a/1blk
Stattmann: 3r/1blk
Rissetto: 6r
Rapp: 3r
Rosendale: 1r

All NBL Blitz games are live and free on Kayo Freebies.

CLICK HERE to secure your seat to Phoenix's home opener on October 1 against the Wildcats, as they re-light the Fire Pit.