Hoops

Kings v Wildcats March 2.

well they are, technically, they're 11-12...

I expect better from them, I expected them to beat Townsville and certainly wanted them to get the last game at home against the Hawks, I'm just saying that this game itself, there were times they played really well, but Perth just managed the tough plays to get them back into it and to keep the lead... Not sure if it was here or elsewhere that I said it, but it was like they didn't think the last few minutes of the game were that, but the 3rd quarter... there was no urgency to get points on the board or to get the stops... That still doesn't take away from the fact that we nearly took out the league leaders at full strength... I'm not saying we should give them an award, I'm just saying it's not all doom and gloom...

With how much upheaval (for better or worse) and injuries that they've had to deal with, it could be in a much worse state...

You're being a little dramatic, JW21. They showed real heart (mostly due to Sanders) for the first time in ages.

Being over dramatic is JW21's MO...

I think the Kings played really well for a large portion of the game... Garlepp didn't have a great game but still had that hustle, AJ was in early foul trouble (again - and while I think he's a victim occasionally of getting soft fouls called on him but not when others do the same to him, he puts himself in that position sometimes) but it just didn't seem like they had that urgency in the last minute or so when they were down 4pts and really had a chance to take a lead or tie... It was like they thought it was just the end of the 3rd quarter, or something... really weird...

Great that Madge had his eye back in, not having to run things really freed him up, I think Jesse had a very positive impact on the game, taking pressure off some players and pulling down some tough interior rebounds...

Beal and Knight were just too good though... Kings had that early lead and then BAM BAM BAM! Cats up by two... No-one could stay in front of him all game, he was either getting to the basket or pulling up for a shot as the defender sailed by...

I couldn't agree more with D4444 on their review of AJ, it's disappointing as we've seen him so dominant, but against more mobile bigs he's been outplayed and his extended D has been tested and found wanting... I think he CAN be the best big man in the league, but he has to have that toughness and desire... Matty Knight certainly holds that title and will take some work to get it off him...

Ennis and Redhage both have been very wayward in their jump shots. Really hoping both of them pick it up in the finals.

"I think the Kings Tigers game next week will decide 3rd. At home the Tigers will be still slight favourites to win that game. "
'Home' in this case is a venue they've won at once in two years, or something. If I were the Kings, I wouldn't be too worried.


"Of course if the Kings knock over Perth tonight"
Tomorrow afternoon ;)

"I don't think they WILL win it all, or even make the grand final series"
Really? Assuming it doesn't take forever for them to adjust to Sanders being in, it seems likely they'll beat out the Tigers for third and knock off Adelaide.

I hope it doesn't happen, though; between Valentine's Day and the Adelaide-Perth rivalry over the years the grand final needs to be Wildcats/Sixers.

If the Kings can put it all together on the floor they can win the title.

Ogilvy - Best big man in the game.
Young - Can take over a game at any time (if he wanted to)
Madgen - Any night can play at MVP level
Sanders - Great all around PG
Harvey - Old but can light it up in a hurry

I don't think they WILL win it all, or even make the grand final series, but on paper they have the goods.

Yeah, I'm sort of both looking forward to and dreading this game... The last game against the Hawks at home was a must win and we had a better chance and the Kings came out flat... I'm sure Sanders being back will have revitalised them, and he certainly fills in a skills set that they need, but unless they rebound and make their outside shots, the Kings will get run over again...

I have no doubt, even though Trev likes a bit of game throwing to manipulate the order, that Perth will come out with the mentality to thrash the Kings again.

To guarantee a top four finish, the Kings really need to win 4 out of last 6, it's going to be tough and win or lose, how they play in this game will go a long way to determining how they end the season and when that end will be...