The poise of Milton Doyle and a surge either side of halftime have boosted the Tasmania JackJumpers to a 80-72 victory over NBL defending champions the Sydney Kings, thrilling home fans.
While Next Star Alex Toohey was superb for the Kings with 14 first-half points and returning 2021-22 MVP Jaylen Adams had 14 points in the third quarter, the JackJumpers had more consistent weapons, with Doyle leading the Friday night charge.
Doyle scored 11 of 14 consecutive points for Tasmania either side of half-time at a soldout MyState Bank Arena and the JackJumpers never trailed again despite the threat posed by Adams.
Tasmania went on to win in trademark fashion, having claimed 20 offensive rebounds to take nine extra shots and four more free-throws, while Doyle finished with 21 points and three assists.
New point guard Jordon Crawford had 15 points and four assists for the JackJumpers, with Jack McVeigh contributing 13 points and six rebounds.
JackJumpers coach Scott Roth was delighted with the response from his team after last week's first-up loss to the Wildcats in Perth.
"It was more what we expect from ourselves in general," Roth said.
"You have to defend if you want to advance into the playoffs and have the chance to do that, and we came back and showed our colours a little better here.
"To start off obviously at home in this situation and to defend the island was our No.1 goal and to start the season with a home victory is really nice."
There were encouraging signs for the Kings, especially the second-half form of Adams. He finished with 21 points, four assists and three steals.
Jaylin Galloway continued to grow with 11 points while Jonah Bolden contributed 10 points and eight rebounds in his second game for the Kings following their opening win over Illawarra Hawks.
Bolden hadn't played professionally since a short stint in the NBA at the Phoenix Suns in February, 2020, but is feeling more comfortable every day.
"Coming back to this level, the game moves a little bit faster than you think and I'm dealing with it a lot better now," he said.
"It's just that mental part of coming back and getting used to playing in a new system that takes some time."
Sydney led 19-18 after the first quarter, then it was Toohey who got them going in the second. The 19-year-old hit two threes as he scored eight quick points to help the Kings to a five-point edge.
However, Doyle took over from there for Tasmania.
He scored the last eight points of the half and with the JackJumpers hitting six threes for the second quarter, the home team led 48-40 at the break.
Triples from Crawford and Doyle after Sydney turnovers to start the second half and suddenly the JackJumpers were up by 14, but Adams scored 14 points in the rest of the third quarter to keep the visitors within seven.
Threes from Sean Macdonald and Clint Steindl to start the fourth put Tasmania back up by 13 and they saw out the win strongly.
