The Sydney Kings have set their sights on securing the NBL26 regular season title with a decisive win against the Brisbane Bullets this Friday night. The Kings, currently sitting atop the ladder, understand the importance of avoiding complacency, a term that has become a focal point of their preparations over the past month.
With an impressive record of 23 wins out of 32 games, including a remarkable ten-game winning streak, Sydney is favored to triumph over the struggling Bullets, who have only managed six victories this season while suffering 26 losses. The Bullets’ woes are further compounded by a dismal home record, where they have lost 13 times, contrasting starkly with the Kings’ successful away campaign, boasting ten wins.
Despite the statistical advantages, seasoned coach Brian Goorjian remains cautious, emphasizing that past performances do not guarantee future results. Goorjian, who has led teams to six championships, recognizes the challenges of maintaining form and consistency as they approach the end of the regular season. In a recent interview, he noted, “The word complacency has been used at practice and going into the games over this last month.”
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Goorjian shared how they transitioned from fighting for playoff positioning to now aiming for the top spot. “It was a case of no complacency; we’ve got to keep moving forward. We knew if we could do something special against Illawarra and Perth that we could finish on top.”
As the Kings prepare for this crucial match against the Bullets, Goorjian acknowledged the importance of avoiding an unexpected slip-up. He stated, “To go and lay an egg in Brisbane would be disappointing, but what we have done is secure a position where we are not going to be playing a one-game knockout. In this league, it is something you do not want to do.”
With the playoff picture at stake, the Kings aim to continue their momentum and reaffirm their status as championship contenders. The anticipation for the match is building, and Sydney will be eager to cement their lead going into the postseason.