Will Home Court Advantage Carry Kings to the Title?

The goal of any team entering a Championship Series is to come out on top. Whether you win home or away, it doesn’t matter.

As you approach the end of the series though, and you have the potential to win in front of your home fans, then thoughts start to wander as to how much more it could mean to hoist the NBL championship trophy on your home floor.

The Sydney Kings managed to achieve that feat last season after sweeping the Tasmania JackJumpers, and as we approach the decisive fifth game in the NBL23 Championship Series, they could end up hoisting back-to-back titles in front of their own fans.

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Adam Gibson – who won two NBL titles during his playing career – says being able to celebrate with your fans makes the moment that little bit extra special.

“It’s even more special when it’s on your home floor,” Gibson said on NBL Today. “I had a championship win in Game 4 and that was in Melbourne when I was with the Brisbane Bullets – it’s awesome to win, obviously that’s the pinnacle.

“To do it on your home floor, we came out and just smashed the Melbourne Tigers in the third quarter [of Game 5 in 2009 with the South Dragons]. We were up by about 30 in the fourth quarter and it was just such a celebration because you get to enjoy that with all your fans.

“I’ve got Sydney winning Game 5 … playing at home is an incredible feeling and the atmosphere will be up and about.

“I think Sydney in Game 5 will celebrate on their home floor.”

Adam Gibson (L) celebrates with Mika Vukona (R) after winning Game 5 of the 2009 Championship Series with the South Dragons.

Once it’s revealed who will hoist the trophy at the end of Game 5, thoughts will immediately turn to who will take home the Larry Sengstock Trophy as the Championship Series MVP.

Xavier Cooks took it home last year for his stellar performances against the JackJumpers, but given his injury issues in this series it looks unlikely he’ll become the first ever back-to-back winner of the award.

“If Sydney win I’ve got Justin Simon. If New Zealand get a win on the road in Game 5 I think it’s either Jarrell Brantley or Barry Brown Jr,” Gibson said of the potential winners of the award.

“It’s a tough one – I think it always has to go to the winning team … [and] there hasn’t been any real standout the whole series.

“Justin Simon in the first few games was huge – Game 2 he basically won off his own hand with those injuries … I think what he’s done in his four games is incredible.”

The winner of the NBL23 Championship Series will be decided on Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30pm AEDT.

Catch the game live and free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies | Sky Sports and Prime in New Zealand.