Toohey excites in dramatic Kings win

Alex Toohey lit it up, Cam Oliver starred and Matt Mooney was exciting, but it was a late ejection of New Zealand Breakers import defensive gun Freddie Gillespie that will be the talking point in Sydney Kings' 90-79 victory.

It was a dramatic Friday night match up at the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast with Sydney Next Star Toohey throwing down a monster dunk on his way to 24 points while his teammate Oliver delivered 21 points.

Mooney showed what he will bring for the Breakers in NBL25 with 25 points but it was a late incident that saw New Zealand big man Gillespie that will be the focus coming out of the match up.

Gillespie and Sydney's two-time championship winning veteran guard Shaun Bruce were exchanging words mid-court with just under two minutes to play.

Gillespie appeared to headbutt Bruce (14 points, four assists) and drew blood above the eye of the 318-game veteran drawing the ire of his Kings teammates as tempers threatened to boil over.

The Breakers star import received a disqualifying foul and from there the Kings were able to complete the deal for an eventual 11-point victory after what had been an entertaining and competitive affair up to that point.

It was a terrific contest with both teams gearing up for the opening of NBL25 even without superstar guards Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Jaylen Adams on either side. Sydney were also without Xavier Cooks, Bul Kuol and Izayah Le'afa.

Scores were level at 23-23 at the end of one before the Breakers were leading by four at half-time and by three at three quarter-time, but Sydney dominated the final term with 28 points to 14.

Kings Next Star Alex Toohey was outstanding including early thunderous dunk despite the contesting efforts from Freddie Gillespie and Mojave King. He knocked down a couple of threes and had another second half dunk for 24 points and three assists.

Cam Oliver was terrific too ahead of his Kings official debut with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals while Keli Leaupepe delivered 12 points and five boards, and Tyler Robertson 11 points and four rebounds.

Despite the late drama, there was plenty to like for New Zealand especially from Matt Mooney who delivered 25 points and eight assists on 11/16 shooting.

Before leaving the game early, Gillespie had 13 points, five rebounds and three blocks while former Next Star Mojave King contributed 13 points and three boards, Mitch McCarron 10 points and four assists, and Sam Mennenga nine points and five rebounds.

There was also a scare with Max Darling appearing to suffer a lower leg injury early when going up for a layup.

Both teams now head to Perth for HoopsFest with the Breakers in action on Saturday against the Brisbane Bullets before the Kings play the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday.

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL BLITZ

SYDNEY KINGS 90 (Toohey 24, Oliver 21, Bruce 14)

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 79 (Mooney 25, Gillespie 13, King 13)

BOX SCORE