Nate Kingz Delivers Two-Way Masterclass in Syracuse’s Upset Win Over No. 13 Tennessee
Syracuse needed a spark, and Nate Kingz lit the match.
The senior guard erupted for a season-high 19 points-all in the first half-during Syracuse’s statement win over 13th-ranked Tennessee. But while the box score will highlight his offensive outburst, it was Kingz’s defensive performance that drew the highest praise from his head coach and teammates alike.
“Offensively, he was phenomenal in the first half,” said head coach Adrian Autry. “But the defensive job he did on Gillespie-who I think is one of the best point guards in the country-was exceptional.”
That’s no throwaway compliment. Ja’Kobi Gillespie came into the game averaging 18.5 points per outing and had been a consistent offensive engine for the Vols.
Syracuse handed him one of his quietest nights of the season: just 10 points, his second-lowest total of the year. A 37% career shooter from deep, Gillespie didn’t hit a single three on three attempts.
Kingz was glued to him all night, playing a team-high 36 minutes and making Gillespie earn every inch of space. The key? Preparation-and a whole lot of focus.
“I just really keyed in on the scout and the personnel that Coach B [assistant Brendan Straughn] had brought up for us,” Kingz said. “Knowing he’s a star player, a three-level scorer-you’ve got to make sure he can’t get to his right hand driving. It happened a few times, but other than that, I just made sure I didn’t have any lapses.”
That attention to detail is part of what’s made Kingz such a valuable piece for Syracuse. Originally known as a sharpshooter-he arrived from Oregon State with a 44% clip from three-he’s evolved into a true two-way threat. He’s been the most consistent rebounder among the Orange’s guards and brings a level of defensive intensity that’s become his calling card.
“I feel like that’s why I’m on the floor a lot of the times,” he said. “To bring that defensive energy.”
Still, when his shot is falling, Syracuse’s ceiling rises. And in the first half against Tennessee, Kingz couldn’t miss.
He opened the scoring with a left-wing three off a skip pass from JJ Starling, then beat the shot clock with a tough lefty floater in the lane. He kept attacking, using his strength and savvy to get to his spots-especially going left, where he’s clearly most comfortable.
His drives weren’t just about finesse. On one possession, he powered through contact, going up off two feet and finishing over the defense with his left hand. On another, he stepped back and drilled a three over Tennessee’s Felix Okpara.
“He opened the doors for us,” said freshman guard Kiyan Anthony. “He gave us confidence as a team.
He was the only one hitting shots in the first half. We see what Nate Kingz does every day in practice-he’s really a sniper.
I rarely see him miss.”
Anthony didn’t stop there: “I do feel like he’s the best shooter in the country.”
That confidence was contagious. While Syracuse has struggled at the free-throw line this season, Kingz went 5-for-6 from the stripe Tuesday night, helping steady the team in a game where every point mattered.
Even Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes admitted Kingz caught them off guard.
“We don’t expect that out of anybody,” Barnes said of Kingz’s 19-point half.
Kingz nearly made it 20 before the break, but a deep three fell short. A second attempt-this one from near NBA range-was an airball, but it led to a buzzer-beating putback by Tyler Betsey. When asked if the miss was a pass in disguise, Kingz laughed it off.
The performance was a reminder of what Kingz can bring when both ends of his game are clicking. He’s not just a shooter.
He’s not just a defender. He’s a tone-setter.
And in a game where Syracuse needed to match Tennessee’s physicality and discipline, it was Kingz who led the way-on both ends.
“Two-way guys. That’s what we talk about,” Autry said.
“We want two-way guys. He did a phenomenal job tonight.”
If Syracuse is going to keep climbing, they’ll need more of this version of Nate Kingz-the one who locks down the opposing team’s best player and then turns around and buries threes in their face. Tuesday night, he reminded everyone just how dangerous he can be when he’s locked in.