Round 17 - Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Round 17 – Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Sunday 16 January, 2.30pm AEDT tip-off

Qudos Bank Arena

LIVE ON ESPN | 10 & 10 PLAY

State of Play

The JackJumpers are back on the road this Sunday, facing the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena in a crucial match. After a tough run, Tasmania is looking to bounce back and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Sydney, sitting fourth on the ladder with a 14-10 record, has plenty of weapons, including Jaylen Adams (17.2 ppg & 6.2 assists), Xavier Cooks (16.4 ppg), and Kouat Noi (13.6 ppg). Noi's explosive scoring – including 11 points in just three minutes against the Taipans last week – makes him a threat.

However, Tasmania has already shown its resilience, responding to adversity with grit. After their recent match up, the JackJumpers turned things around in spectacular fashion, putting up 37 points in their highest-ever scoring second quarter.

Jordon Crawford was key, contributing 17 points during the turnaround, proving the team’s ability to fight back from any situation.

The JackJumpers will need to bring that same intensity to disrupt Sydney's offense and keep their playoff push on track. Can they rise to the challenge and secure the win? We’re about to find out.

Last time they met

Round 7 – Sydney Kings vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Sunday 3 November, 4.30pm AEDT tip-off

Qudos Bank Arena

The Tasmania JackJumpers faced the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena, where the Kings secured an 88-60 victory. Sydney established control early, opening the game with a 15-5 run driven by strong three-point shooting. Despite some promising plays, Tasmania struggled to keep pace and ended the first quarter trailing 27-19.

In the second quarter, the JackJumpers showed signs of a comeback, with Craig Sword and Majok Deng delivering key baskets to narrow the gap to just one point late in the half. However, Sydney regained momentum before halftime, with Kouat Noi sinking three quick triples to extend the Kings’ lead to 41-33 at the break. Tasmania’s offensive challenges were evident, with missed opportunities to convert open shots.

The third quarter saw Sydney continue to dominate, highlighted by a crowd-pleasing dunk from Noi that further energized the home team. Tasmania’s defense worked hard, but their struggles on offense persisted, and the Kings widened their lead to 16 points by the end of the quarter. Despite the JackJumpers’ efforts, the gap proved too significant to close.

In the final quarter, the Kings maintained control of the game. While Tasmania’s defense continued to fight, their 31% shooting from the field hindered any chance of a late comeback. Jordon Crawford led the JackJumpers with 12 points, with Craig Sword contributing nine, but it wasn’t enough to challenge the Kings’ dominance.

The match was a difficult outing for the JackJumpers, who faced one of the league's strongest teams. Their defensive effort and flashes of promise on offense underscored their determination, but the result highlighted areas for growth in their overall game.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2024/25

SYDNEY KINGS 88 (Noi 26, Oliver 12, Toohey 11)

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS 60 (Crawford 12, Doyle 11, Sword 9)

BOX SCORE

Injuries

Tasmania JackJumpers: Will Magnay (fractured toe), Sean Macdonald (foot injury)

Sydney Kings: Jaylin Galloway (shoulder) and Keli Leaupepe (hamstring) as listed here