Bad news for Wildcats: Kings’ X-Factor ready to fire

Photo: Sydney Kings.

With 17 wins from their last 19 games, no team is in a better spot going into the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Playoffs than the Sydney Kings.

But according to Brian Goorjian, there’s still room for improvement.

Speaking ahead of the FIBA Break, Goorjian pointed to former NBA veteran Torrey Craig as a potential difference-maker for the Kings.

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That’s a scary proposition for the Perth Wildcats, who had to bounce back from a first-up loss to even qualify for the next phase and now face a Sydney side fresh off almost three weeks’ rest.

“For us really it's not clarity, it's not changing what we do. It's the balance of who plays together and the versatility we have with lineups,” Goorjian said of the Kings’ focus during the break.

“We'll be able to spend a lot of time scrimmaging with different groups of five and I think that's a strength.

"The addition of Torrey Craig … we feel like we've got a really special player in Torrey.

“He's had very limited training time or time with us. Getting him balanced and comfortable in our group I think can take us a full step forward."

Craig only signed with Sydney in mid-January, lining up for the Kings eight times with averages of 13 points and 5.9 rebounds a game.

With 80 games of Playoffs experience in the NBA, the 35-year-old’s veteran presence will be invaluable for Sydney, already red-hot favourites to advance to the Championship Series.

“There's not a blueprint for this and listening to the players and just knowing that the mindset really is clarity and just continuing to move forward in what and who we are,” Goorjian said.

“I think at this time of year, whatever team it is, you should know what you need to do and what you need to be good at to win and just focus on that. Just making sure everyone's fresh, everyone's at their healthiest, and everyone's motivated.”

The Kings host the Wildcats when the best-of-three Playoff Series tips off on Wednesday at Qudos Bank Arena, live on ESPN from 7.30pm AEDT.