Sydney Kings rediscover Brian Goorjian-era aura

The Sydney Kings have rediscovered the franchise’s famed resilience and toughness from the championship-winning Brian Goorjian years after backing up their Wildcats win against the Hawks.

Andrew Bogut celebrates the win over the Hawks. Picture: Getty

The Sydney Kings have rediscovered the franchise’s famed resilience and toughness from the championship-winning Brian Goorjian years.

That was the feeling at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Sunday after the Kings claimed a comfortable 83-68 victory over the Illawarra Hawks to wrap up a successful weekend on the road.

Only 48 hours after a thrilling one-point win over the Wildcats in Perth, Andrew Gaze’s men showcased impressive fight and professionalism to dominate the Hawks.

The Kings have lacked resilience since Goorjian’s era but it has returned in spades this season under the influence of marquee man Andrew Bogut.

The former NBA champion has instilled a toughness and spirit in Sydney that hasn’t been seen for seasons.

Andrew Bogut celebrates the win over the Hawks. Picture: Getty

This was on show against the Hawks when the Kings displayed admirable composure despite a number of surges from the home team.

Skipper Kevin Lisch was outstanding for Sydney, finishing with a game-high 16 points against his former club.

Lisch was equally potent on the defensive end, forcing a number of turnovers with his trademark energy and effort.

Boomers teammate Brad Newley maintained his strong form with 13 points and six rebounds.

Newley also produced an inspired defensive performance to restrict Illawarra’s leading scorer Todd Blanchfield to just 12 points.

Brian Bowen drives to the ring. Picture: AAP

Forward David Wear backed up his match-winning three against Perth with 13 points and three rebounds.

Wear has copped a lot of criticism as not being the right import fit but he responded in style against the Wildcats and Hawks with strong displays.

Bogut freely admitted he had a “shocker” against Perth with only six points and four fouls but he responded like the champion he is against Illawarra.

The big man finished with 10 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks in a classy display.

Sydney has now won four straight to retain second position on the NBL ladder after nine rounds.

Lisch revealed the Kings’ secret to success this season has been accountability and honesty within the playing group.

Andrew Bogut and Andrew Gaze talk tactics. Picture: AAP

“It (our culture) is still evolving and we are still working on it but when we see things in each other that we don’t like or like, we say it,” Lisch said.

“It is better to be straight forward and blunt and help each other through the tougher times.”

Kings coach Andrew Gaze declared the team’s resilience is the strongest he has seen in his tenure at the franchise.

“That toughness is what you do on the defensive end how you carry yourself,” Gaze said.

“I thought we carried ourselves really well against Perth when things weren’t going well and we carried ourselves really well against Illawarra when they got six up early on.

“They are the markers you look at.”

Gaze credit’s Sydney’s improved toughness to a greater emphasis on the franchise’s culture.

“We are doing some work off the floor with our leadership group,” he said.

Hawks star Todd Blanchfield hits the deck hard. Picture: Getty

“I really enjoy it and I think it is having an impact.

“Comparing it (the resilience) to last year and it is a whole lot better, but we’ve also got some different guys here this season.

“But in my judgment the guys have really brought into it. So when we are carrying on like pork chops, they are pulling their heads in and they are holding each other accountable according to the values they’ve set.”

The Kings will look to claim a fifth straight win when they travel to Cairns to take on the Taipans on Thursday night.

They then host defending champions Melbourne United on Saturday in what is shaping as the game of the season.

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