Round 2 warning bells ring as Goorjian flags counterpunch

Saturday’s Championship Series Game 1 victory by Sydney over Adelaide was a record-breaking one for many reasons.

From being the largest margin of victory in a Championship Series fixture (44), to the Kings’ biggest Finals win (overtaking their 2005 mark against Brisbane) and equal-biggest victory over Adelaide (ties with NBL06’s 133-89 Round 17 triumph over the 36ers), it was a night to remember for the purple and gold.

While a lot of the club’s 14th straight win can be credited to their impressive scout, coach Brian Goorjian is proud of the way his team executed on the biggest stage.

“That was probably our best performance, [coming] at the right time,” Goorjian told the Big Sports Breakfast Radio show on Tuesday.

“By winning the Perth series in two games, we had a nice preparation block to develop our game plan for our first game [against Adelaide].

“We were playing our best basketball [of that series] fourth quarter in Game 2 against Perth, and thankfully carried it over into Saturday.

“[Further to that] with the experienced guys [on our team], who have been around the block, and have played in Finals, knew the importance of the first game at home.

“We executed the game plan, both offensively and defensively, as good as we have all year.”

Part of that execution was limiting six-time MVP Bryce Cotton to just 10 points on the night.

“The heart of that Adelaide situation in this series is Bryce Cotton, and that's no secret,” Goorjian said.

“I thought that Delly’s (Matthew Dellavedova) start to the game plan, on how to guard him [laid the platform], and from there, we tried to gang up on him and rotate personnel, like pitches in baseball, to mix up the schemes and [keep him guessing].

“We know it’s only one game into the series, and we don’t have all the answers [to guard him], but we like the personnel we’ve selected for this particular task.”

Another key piece of the Kings’ puzzle is big man Tim Soares, who put up 22 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in Game 1.

“Our game is about spreading the floor, moving the ball and [his versatility suits that],” Goorjian said.

“He knocked the three down. He took it to the basket. He ran the floor.

“You go back over the history of the Kings, the guy's been a winner, and that's why we brought him back, he was seen as a missing piece.

“He's got a reputation for what he just did in Finals play [like on Saturday], we're very fortunate to have him.”

>> Championship Series schedule, tickets & how to watch

With six championships to his name, Goorjian knows how quickly momentum can shift in a series, so his team are preparing to ‘take some punches’ from Adelaide on Friday.

“It's not a big distance from a pat on the back and a kick in the arse, so the situation now is [not letting] complacency and comfort creep in,” he said.

“There was an energy, a toughness, a connection that we played with [in Game 1] that made this all happen. It wasn't about making shots.

“As a coach, it’s making them aware that these games in the Finals are fistfights. Going into Adelaide, they're going to come out in the first round, try to knock you out and throw punches.

“This week is all about the mindset of going in there and staying with the tenacity and the toughness, while trying to make sure every possession is in our favour.

“We’ll be trying to wear them out on the mental side, while making our own adjustments, because you can always be a little better.”

The NBL26 Championship Series, between Sydney and Adelaide, continues on Friday from 7.30pm AEDT on Friday, live on ESPN and 10 Drama.