Assistant coach Ben Knight was called on for a belated 400th NBL appearance as the last-placed Sydney Kings slipped to a 93-83 loss to the New Zealand Breakers in a brave effort on their new home court.
With leading big men Josh Childress and Julian Khazzouh out injured, the Kings suited up Knight for his milestone first NBL appearance in over four years, injecting him into the clash in the ninth minute and giving him eight minutes for an understandably limited return of one rebound and 0-3 shooting.
The loss continued the hosts' injury-dogged season of woe as they slipped to a 4-14 record while the second-placed Breakers improved to 11-6.
However it wasn't all one-way traffic by any means.
Scores were level 38-38 at half-time and the Kings had opened the match with a conviction which looked to give the 3655-strong and vocal crowd a new spiritual home out west at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.
But the Breakers had too much fire power.
Recent NBA trialist Corey Webster led the way for the visitors with a game-high 38 points while skipper Tom Abercrombie was next-highest scorer with 14 to go with seven rebounds.
Captain and centre Tom Garlepp led from the front for the Kings in the absence of Khazzouh and Childress, netting 25 points.
Western Sydney product Jason Cadee also stood out for the Kings, sparking their strong start and scoring 14 points and providing six assists.
New Zealand coach Dean Vickerman was pleased to get another win away from home.
"They (the Kings) kept fighting back tonight. They never quit; they showed a lot of fight," he said.
"Getting a road win is great for us."
Kings coach Joe Connelly was disappointed with the loss but took some positives out of the match.
"The main thing is that the guys fought, we had some lows there and they took advantage of it like good teams do." Connelly said.
"Our guys competed through the adversity and fought through it, it was an honour to be a part of Ben's 400th game and be a part of history with that.
Knight said he pulled up in good shape.
"The body's responded pretty well," he said.
"It's an honour, to finally chalk that one up was great and thanks to the coaching staff for the opportunity."
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