AAP.<\/p>\n
Kouat Noi hopes Sydney will meet South East Melbourne in the NBL Finals so the table-topping Kings can inflict more misery on the Phoenix after their fiery last meeting.<\/p>\n
The Kings have won 17 of their past 19 games, including the last three by an average margin of 28 points, to enter the post-season as the NBL\u2019s form team.<\/p>\n
Sixth Man of the Year nominee Noi was asked on Friday whether any of the remaining five sides could stop Sydney\u2019s push for a first championship since Brian Goorjian\u2019s return.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Playoffs is a different atmosphere, different type of game; the energy, the game takes a lift to a whole other level,\u201d the forward said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut to answer your question, no.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pending Play-In results, the Phoenix are one of four teams the Kings could meet in a best-of-three Playoff Series for qualification to the Grand Final.<\/p>\n
The winner of Thursday\u2019s knockout match between Tasmania and Melbourne United will face the loser of the Phoenix\u2019s clash with Perth. Sydney will play the winner of that subsequent Play-In game.<\/p>\n
The Kings\u2019 most recent loss came against the Phoenix in January before a heated clash on February 8, when Goorjian received a technical foul following a verbal exchange with Owen Foxwell.<\/p>\n
The veteran coach was later fined $775 for his comments, though he insisted he had been provoked by a remark that went undetected by broadcast microphones. The NBL did not sanction Foxwell.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t really mind who, but I\u2019d love to see South East in the finals,\u201d Noi said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey match up well with us, I think it\u2019d be exciting for everyone to watch. I\u2019d love to beat them in the finals and win that championship.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Noi was direct when asked whether that desire was fuelled by the spiteful nature of their last clash.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor sure,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Crowned the NBL\u2019s Coach of the Year for a seventh time this week, Goorjian was less concerned about potential opponents.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a fiery game, but we\u2019ve had fiery games against Adelaide,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve had an overtime game with Melbourne, we lost to Tassie more than we beat them, the only team where that holds true.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery team presents its challenges. Whoever it is, I just feel comfortable that we\u2019ve got what it takes. Bring it on.\u201d<\/p>\n
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