Name: Sydney Kings prepare for clash against Illawarra Hawks
Uploaded: 2025-12-25T06:51:28.866Z
Duration: 1 min 47 s
Description: The Sydney Kings are set to face defending champions, the Illawarra Hawks, in a highly anticipated NBL clash at Qudos Bank Arena. Players have adjusted their holiday routines to stay focused on the game.

The Sydney Kings are set to face defending champions, the Illawarra Hawks, in a highly anticipated NBL clash at Qudos Bank Arena. Players have adjusted their holiday routines to stay focused on the game.

New South Wales

The Sydney Kings are hosting the Illawarra Hawks, the defending NBL champions, at Kudos Bank Arena in New South Wales. Players have had to forgo typical Christmas celebrations to focus on the match, maintaining their fitness and preparation for the rivalry game.

The Kings, who have won their last four games, aim to continue their streak by emphasizing defensive intensity. Illawarra welcomes back Sam Froehling for his first appearance this season, while injured Kings player Kelly Lepepe plans to support his team from the bench.

Sydney Kings prepare for clash against Illawarra Hawks

No break in the NBL today with the Sydney Kings hosting defending champions the Illawarra Hawks. Kelly Lepepe joins us now from the home of the Kings, Kudos Bank Arena. Kelly, has the team had to reserve themselves at Christmas today because it is a work night? I mean, yeah, a little bit. They've had to hold back on the nice food and all that. We have to remember that we have a game tonight. So yeah, make sure we keep the body active and don't just chill too much. Earlier this week, Xavier lit the fuse saying there's genuine hatred between the teams. What is it about the Hawks that ticks you guys off so much? I mean, they're our rivals and they're the defending champs, so it's always a good game against them. Always a bit of chit chat and it's a good physical game. So, yeah. Kelly, the Kings have won the last four. How do you guys keep that going tonight? I think it starts with our defence. Keeping the intensity high. I think it gets our offence going and then just sticking to the scout and playing how we play. So, yeah, it's going to be a good game. Sam Froehling is back for Illawarra for the first time this season. How much of a threat will he be? Yeah, he's a big body. So he's someone coming out that's going to be able to get some rebounds. So we're going to have to be physical with him. And he hasn't gone up and down a bit. So we'll make sure he's running a lot. So we see how that goes. And Kelly, last one. I know you're not playing because you are injured. But what do you bring to the Kings on the bench? I'm going to be supporting the boys, you know, coaching a bit on the sideline, hyping them up and talking a bit of smack as well. So, yeah, hopefully we get this win. Thank you so much, Kelly. Thanks for your time, mate. And Merry Christmas to you. Thanks. Merry Christmas.

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