Fourth quarter flurry gives Kings edge over Bullets

With the scores even at three quarter time, a final quarter run from the Sydney Kings led to a 100-90 victory over the Brisbane Bullets at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday.

The signs were good early for Brisbane with their big three of Aron Baynes, Nathan Sobey and Tyler Johnson all starting well. Sobey hit a pair of triples with Baynes also hitting from deep and then Johnson scored on three consecutive possessions to put the Bullets up 20-14.

The Kings responded, scoring 10 of the last 13 points of the opening period to lead the visiting side 24-23 at quarter time.

Brisbane then opened up the second period well including a 6-0 run including a big DJ Mitchell putback slam. 

However, Sydney then went on its own 10-0 run and that set them up to lead 46-39 at half-time.

Coming out of the main break, the Sydney pushed the lead out to as many as 12 in front of their raucous home crowd. Jason Cadee clicked into gear at that stage for the Bullets, with 11 points in the third quarter to bring the score back to 5 late in the period.

An assist from Cadee to Baynes for another triple brought the Bullets to trail by just two with a minute left in the third. The Bullets sent the Kings to the line and again the home side went one of two. The Bullets capitalised with another three from Nathan Sobey who drew the scores to 67-67 at three quarter time.

The Kings came out in the fourth quarter with seven quick points but the Bullets were able to respond and bring the scores back to one point with five minutes remaining in the game.

However the Kings scored 16 unanswered points to take their largest lead of the game with 17. The Bullets fought until the final siren but eventually lost to the defending champions by 10.

Aron Baynes again led from the front with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Nathan Sobey also showed some really positive signs with 15 points and two steals.

Jason Cadee had a big second half for 16 points and four, while Tyler Johnson contributed 13 pointsand two steals. DJ Mitchell also had a strong outing with 11points  to go with six rebounds and three assists.

The Bullets have a short turn around, coming up against the JackJumpers in Tasmania on Sunday for their third game on the road in a row to begin the season.