Kings put Phoenix back in box

Sydney Kings co-owner Paul Smith has delivered a backhander to the Phoenix after they declared themselves the best team in the NBL.

Speaking before Wednesday’s clash with Sydney, Phoenix GM of Basketball Simon Mitchell said his squad was “the best team in the NBL for the past two months”.

The Kings silenced the Phoenix with a 103-92 win, marking the third time Sydney has beaten them this season. 

Smith posted a photo of Mitchell’s comments on X, with the caption: “I guess that makes us…..sweep?”.

I guess that makes us…..sweep? pic.twitter.com/wyW2rgB2TT

— Paul Smith (@psmithtse) January 22, 2025

“Maybe this will be a learning lesson for Simon, don’t mess with the basketball gods before a big game,” Derek Rucker said on NBL Now.

“Let it be. Don’t say anything the next time because you guys were in a really good situation.”

The Phoenix are back in action on Saturday against the JackJumpers, while the Kings host the 36ers on Friday night.