Sydney Kings import David Wear silences critics with game-winning three against Perth Wildcats

Some have called for Sydney Kings import David Wear to be moved on but when it came down to a clutch moment against the Wildcats on Friday night, he was the one who delivered. He reveals what he was thinking at the critical moment.

David Wear knocked down a match-winning three against the Wildcats. Picture: Getty

Maligned Sydney Kings import David Wear has taken a giant stride towards securing his future following his match-winning heroics in Perth.

A clutch Wear three-pointer with seconds remaining helped the Kings claim a thrilling 98-97 victory over the Wildcats on Friday night.

The match-winning play capped off an NBL career-high night for the US import, who finished with 18 points and six rebounds.

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It was an impressive performance that will help Wear silence those critics who believe he isn’t the right import fit for Sydney.

Kings legend and former coach Shane Heal has been particularly outspoken, urging the franchise to find a stronger rebounding power forward.

David Wear knocked down a match-winning three against the Wildcats. Picture: Getty

Despite the rumblings, Wear has remained focused and on Friday he delivered on the big stage when it mattered most.

“I was just looking at the rim and felt if the ball came my way I was just going to shoot it, that’s all I was thinking,” said Wear, who had already knocked down two threes before his match-sealing effort.

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“This was going up and obviously I had space and no one was really on me even though ‘Newls’ (Brad Newley) was right next to me.

“I had knocked down a couple before that, my shot was feeling really good and I was confident that if I got a good look at it I could knock it down. Jerome (Randle) just found me at the perfect time.”

Andrew Bogut had a quiet night in the victory.

Kings marquee man Andrew Bogut had a quiet night by his recent record-breaking standards, finishing with six points, six rebounds, no blocks and four fouls.

Bogut’s performance prompted NBL commentator and former player Corey “Homicide” Williams to call out the ex-NBA champion on social media.

“Oh and let’s be clear. Andrew Bogut had 6ts 6rebs zero blocks and 4fouls (sic). Zero impact on the game. #DoBetter,” Williams tweeted.

First to admit had a shocker. Guess what? TEAM won. Unlike yourself who stat chased, I couldn’t care about stats. I understand the @NBL pay you to be controversial and I probably shouldn’t fault the hustle when you have no other job options other than being a mini Stephen A Smith https://t.co/4xnpaMR3Lv

— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) December 15, 2018

Bogut didn’t hold back in his response via Twitter.

“First to admit had a shocker. Guess what? TEAM won. Unlike yourself who stat chased, I couldn’t care about stats. I understand the NBL pay you to be controversial and I probably shouldn’t fault the hustle when you have no other job options other than being a mini Stephen A Smith.”

The Kings have moved into second position on the ladder and play the Illawarra Hawks in Wollongong on Sunday at 2.50pm.

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