Second quarter scoring blitz lifts Bullets over Kings

After seven rounds on the road, the Bullets relished the opportunity to play in front of their home fans, defeating fellow finals contenders the Sydney Kings, 93-70. 

A 32-10 second quarter masterclass was key to Brisbane’s success. With stifling defence and great ball movement, the Bullets were able to create a huge lead that would not be recovered.

Anthony Drmic was impressive, exploding for a career high 28 points, including 7 of 10 from long range to go with five rebounds and four assists. His treble of threes in the first quarter sparked the Bullets offence early. 

Nathan Sobey continued his big year with 19 points and 5 assists, while Lamar Patterson looked right at home in his first game back in Brisbane, finishing with 13 points at an efficient 54% from the field.

After a close first quarter, the Bullets locked down in the second, forcing stops and creating in transition. With an 11-0 run early in the quarter, they made high IQ plays and got the ball in the hands of shooters.

New recruit, BJ Johnson started to find his groove in the second, with some crafty plays at the rim as the Bullets continued to add scoreboard pressure. With contributors across the board, the Bullets piled on another 19 unanswered points just before half time. 

The Kings began the third connecting on a couple of early threes. A Sobey steal and emphatic dunk ticked the scoreboard over for the Bullets, but Sydney continued to chip away. The Bullets 25 point half time lead was reduced to 12 early in the fourth. 

The momentum swung back the way of the home side through some tough defensive plays, extending the lead back out to 23 at full time. 

Xavier Cooks was a shining light for the Kings making an impact in his first game back from injury in NBL21. 

The Bullets will be back at Nissan Arena on Saturday night to take on the Perth Wildcats. 

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL ROUND 18

Brisbane Bullets (Drmic 28, Sobey 19, Patterson 13, Johnson, 12)

Sydney Kings (Hunter 15, Martin 13, Weeks 10)