Kings guard Jason Cadee overcomes shooting woes to ground high-flying Hawks

JASON Cadee overcame his recent shooting woes to steer Sydney to a season-defining victory over the in-form Illawarra Hawks.

JASON Cadee told us he’d overcome his shooting slump.

At Wollongong Entertainment Centre on Monday night he delivered on his promise to steer Sydney to a season-defining 99-93 victory over the in-form Illawarra Hawks.

Inspired by Cadee’s 22 points, including four of nine from the perimeter, the Kings snapped a two-game losing streak to retain top position on the NBL ladder.

Illawarra guard Rotnei Clarke, who led all scorers with 29 points, did his best to rally the Hawks for a come-from-behind win.

Clarke was on fire from the perimeter, shooting six of nine, but the Kings kept their composure to hold on for a crucial six-point triumph.

Kings skipper Kevin Lisch drives to the ring.

Import-of-the-year nomination Greg Whittington wasn’t too far behind Cadee in the standout stakes for Sydney, scoring 22 points.

Whittington played like a man on a mission, especially in defence with six crucial rebounds.

Skipper Kevin Lisch once again starred against his former club, landing 23 points to break the Hawks’ hearts.

Lisch also contributed four assists and three steals to prove Sydney still possess plenty of firepower in the backcourt following the departure of former NBA guard Steve Blake for personal reasons.

It’s understood Blake is unlikely to return to the NBL, but the Kings showed they are more than capable of impressing in his absence.

Star import Josh Powell didn’t have his best night.

Veteran Sydney forward Tom Garlepp also deserves high praise.

Garlepp provided invaluable impact off the bench with 10 points and four rebounds.

Sydney’s next assignment is with the Taipans in Cairns on Friday night.

With top position on the NBL ladder up for grabs, both teams came out firing in the first quarter.

The Hawks built an eight-point buffer midway through the second quarter, but the Kings rallied to go to the main break leading by eight.

The Kings looked rattled when their lead was reduced to just five points, but they remained calm to lead by 12 points heading into the final quarter.

Illawarra fought to the final minute, but in the end it was Sydney’s night to shine.