Basketball On The Internet.

IT didn't look like much, but often the worst sporting injuries don't, Sydney Kings and the NBL last night losing Julian Khazzouh for the rest of the season.

The marquee big-man went down hard to the floor in the second quarter against Illawarra and had to be assisted from the Sandpit court, unable to put any weight on his right leg.

Early reports have it as a torn quadriceps and it certainly looked severe.

You know when an Aussie big, with the heart and no-nonsense approach of Special K, goes down and stays down, it is serious.

Sure, it's a further massive blow for the Kings but much of that club's persistent malaise is self-inflicted.

OUT AND OUT: Julian Khazzouh is helped to the rooms, unlikely to suit again in 2015-16

Watching JK rolling out of our lives for, most likely, the rest of this season, is a blow for everyone.

As Hawks opponent Kevin Lisch said on the FOX TV interview at halftime, we hope he's OK. (See Brian? That's the type of comment we appreciate out here among the great unwashed, some compassion.)

It's tragic for Julian and I know I speak for anyone and everyone who loves seeing the man in action in wishing him a speedy and solid recovery.

WHY do I love Lisch the basketballer so much?

OK. Check out the first play of the second half last night against the Kings.

That. Is. All.

Once you've seen that, you'll know why he's always been a personal fave, even when he played for the Evil Empire of Darth Marvin.

TO give up a 9-0 start, then trail 11-22 and even 13-25, a fan could have been forgiven for feeling a little queasy.

But never fear Hawks faithful.

They worked their way back and were on the road to victory when Khazzouh was hurt.

Damion James continued to disappoint and his cheap shot at Larry Davidson in a free throw rebounding situation - all Davidson did was box him out, not even especially over-zealously - revealed a very entitled attitude.

With their season shot, I don't know why the Kings don't cut him loose now and spend the rest of this season pumping minutes into Brandt, Hill etcetera.

SOMEONE should stick this on the wall at Kings' board meetings.

TONIGHT: WELL we'll find out if Townsville does have Perth's number, the Wildcats barely getting out of gaol against the Taipans in Cairns. Despite the axing, departure and irrelevance now of Brian Conklin, there is bound to still be a little feeling in this return to the Swamp. Let's hope the fans turn up in droves because the Crocodiles certainly deserve that. Can they win this? Hell yeah. Will they? It's very difficult to tip against Perth, the way it is travelling right now.

Last night: ILLAWARRA HAWKS 102 (Lisch 23, Penney 21, Ogilvy 17, Coenraad 11, Ellis 10; Ogilvy 8 rebs; Lisch 4 assts) d SYDNEY KINGS 83 (Carter, Thornton, Garlepp 15, Brandt 10; James, Brandt 9 rebs; 4 with 2 assts) at the Sandpit, WIN Entertainment Centre.