The Sydney Kings have taken a giant step towards claiming their first NBL title in 17 years, comfortably beating the Tasmania Jackjumpers in the first of the best-of-five grand final series.
The home side ran out 95-78 winners in front of nearly 13,000 at Qudos Bank Arena, in a clash they led at every turn.
The Kings held a 43-40 lead after a tense first half, but padded that margin to 13 points after a dominant third quarter.
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The Jackjumpers made a spirited fight back, at one point going on a seven-point run in the fourth, but Sydney largely kept them at arm’s length throughout the contest.
League MVP Jaylen Adams had 18 points, while former NBA champion Ian Clark – fresh off a good luck message from old teammate Steph Curry – had 17 from the bench.
The Jackjumpers, in their inaugural season, couldn’t keep the fairytale going – at least not tonight.
They’ll get the chance to answer back on home court on Sunday afternoon, with a Sydney win meaning they’d get the chance to clinch the title on home court next Wednesday.
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