Foul count “huge factor” in loss: Goorjian

Friday, November 1, 2024

"I thought it (the game) was pretty fudging physical. We didn’t get to the line – that’s a huge factor."

Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian has voiced his frustration at the lopsided free throw count in his side’s 87-83 loss to Melbourne United last night.

The Kings went to the foul line just six times, which is tied for the second-fewest in their history. United enjoyed 19 free throw attempts, a discrepancy which had Goorjian puzzled, especially after a similar story last Friday night in Perth, where the Wildcats had 31 free throws to 18.

"I've been in the game a long time and this is now two (away) games in a row - in 40 years it doesn't happen very often - they make more free-throws than we shoot," Goorjian said.

"Tonight was a pretty physical game, they're a physical team - we shoot six free-throws, seven fouls for the whole game. We can't win, can't beat a team like that.

"It falls back on me, I’ve been talking to our guys about showing their hands, moving their feet, communicating. I thought it (the game) was pretty fudging physical. We didn’t get to the line – that’s a huge factor."

While he has made a commitment to improving his conduct towards the officials, Goorjian admitted last night may have been a tipping point.

"That stat’s not on us ... that’s the feeling of this one tonight. Why are you losing? This is a big part of it,” he said.

"It falls on me to work with my team on it and also take some cuts out of this and show it to the referee supervisor.

"I’ve changed my behaviour and taken a strong approach to that, trying to handle myself with class, keep my mouth shut and coach my team. Losing adds to frustration.

"I've got to do a better job of coaching, I've got to talk about the hands, the feet, but it was a big discussion point when I came into the locker room, ‘hey man, what’s going on out there?’

"They’re physical screens, strong picks, there’s a lot of holding and grabbing out there. I thought it was fairly equal as far the contact was in the game ... it was very, very lopsided as far as the deal goes. This game is a fine line, everyone's looking for an edge and that foul line's a big one."

The Kings have lost three straight games to fall to 5-5, a far cry from the championship level expectations placed upon them in the pre-season.

The Kings are back in action on Sunday against the Tasmania JackJumpers at 4:30pm AEDT live on ESPN, 10 Bold and 10 Play.