Kings 1-0 up over Wildcats
Did anyone anyone say Violet Crumble?
Perennial underachivers the Sydney Kings made a mockery of their cruel nickname, looking more like "the Cardiac Kids" as they came back from 14 points down in the final quarter to tame the Perth Wildcats 98-94 in their NBL grand final series opener.
The Kings had every reason to crumble when they looked lost in their maiden grand final match trailing 85-71 before roaring home to whip a near capacity Sydney Entertainment Centre crowd into a frenzy.
Hell didn't freeze over but the Kings are now one win away from claiming their first NBL championship.
All the post-match talk circulated around the Kings' four-point play in the final minute.
Heal hit a monster three to bridge the gap to 94-93 while at the same time Stiff was fouled.
The three counted and then Stiff banged home a free throw - much to the Wildcats' horror - to lock up the scores 94-94 and Sydney didn't look back thanks to some late shooting from bench guard Gary Boodnikoff.
"I can't remember ever being in a game like that...I gotta tell ya, I didn't feel it (that Sydney would win)," Goorjian said.
"But by the last time out...that was when I felt the crowd. The feeling that I felt down the stretch is why you are involved in the game.
"I haven't been involved in a win from a losing position like that in a playoff game ever."
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