‘They don’t have what we have’: Kings flex defensive edge

Ever since he returned to the Hungry Jack’s NBL this season, Torrey Craig and his Sydney Kings have been phenomenal.

The NBA veteran remains undefeated as a King, triumphing in all 11 matches this season, and playing a large role in Sydney’s current 14-game win streak.

A big part of that is his defensive versatility, which helped Sydney finish the NBL26 campaign as the number one team on that end of the floor.

That prowess was on full display during Saturday’s Championship Series Game 1 victory over Adelaide, where the likes of Craig, Matthew Dellavedova, Jaylin Galloway and Makuach Maluach restricted six-time MVP Bryce Cotton to just 10 points.

The 35-year-old credited that performance to the team’s elite preparation and personnel.

“The way we prepared, the way we trained, the way we watched film, we were definitely prepared [and ready for Adelaide],” Craig said on Wednesday’s version of NBL Now.

“We played with a lot of physicality, a lot of force, and made our presence felt.

“I don't think there's another team in the League that has what we have, that's why we're so special.

“They don't have the personnel to guard him [Cotton] like we do. We have the team to do it.

“We all wanted him, that's the crazy part. When we're in the game, we're trying to figure out who's going to guard him now? Who's going to guard him this possession? But we kind of just free flow out there.”

Craig knows his team will be just as prepared for Game 2 on Friday night, but also appreciates the impact Adelaide’s home fans will have on the game and both teams.

“Adelaide is a tough place to go in and play on the road, and we know that,” Craig said.

“As a competitor, as a player, you love those environments. You want that, you want to be the villain. You want to be the team that's getting booed. You want to have moments where you can have opportunities to touch the crowd and play.

“I don't think anyone has to reiterate to put our foot on the neck; we know what we need to do.”

>> Championship Series schedule, tickets & how to watch

A win on Friday would leave the Harbour City side just one victory away from the franchise’s sixth championship.

A championshp has been a goal for Craig since his rookie year with Cairns during the 2014-15 season.

“My first year here, I went to the Championship Series and lost on a buzzer-beater to New Zealand,” he said.

“There's just something about losing and losing that way in the Championship Series, you kind of have a bitter taste in your mouth you can't get rid of. That's always in the back of my mind.

“This [coming back to the NBL and reaching the Championships Series] is all like a full-circle moment for me.

“I came here as a 22-year-old out of college, and this time, I just wanted to give back to the League, the NBL.

“It's grown so fast and so much. It's great for guys who are in the NBA to look at this League.”

The NBL26 Championship Series, which Craig’s Kings lead Adelaide 1-0, continues on Friday from 7.30pm AEDT on Friday, live on ESPN and 10 Drama.