Sydney Kings Clinch Top Spot in NBL Regular Season with Dominant Victory
The Sydney Kings have officially secured the NBL’s regular season championship, a feat bolstered by a stellar performance from star guard Kendric Davis. Davis put on an MVP-worthy display, dropping 27 points in the first half alone, as the Kings powered to a commanding 117-77 victory over the struggling Brisbane Bullets.
Davis finished the game with an impressive 31 points, leading the Kings to a comprehensive 40-point win. This victory capped off a remarkable 24-9 season, cementing their position at the top of the ladder. The Kings’ dominance was particularly evident after the first quarter, outscoring the Bullets 91 to 44 in the remaining three periods.
Arriving at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the Kings were on a formidable 10-game winning streak, and a victory was crucial to guarantee them first place. With the league’s MVP awards ceremony on the horizon, much of the pre-game buzz centred on whether Davis or Adelaide 36ers’ Bryce Cotton would take home the coveted honour.
The Brisbane Bullets, playing with a clear nothing-to-lose attitude, delivered their second-best first-quarter performance of the season, netting 33 points. Despite the Bullets’ strong start and a seven-point deficit for the visitors after the opening period, Davis kept the Kings in contention, already amassing 12 points.
However, the momentum shifted decisively in the second quarter. The Kings ignited a powerful 17-4 run, propelling them into a solid 58-50 lead by halftime. Davis was instrumental in this surge, boasting 27 points and four assists at the break, shooting an exceptional 11-of-13 from the field.
Sydney then cruised through the second half, outscoring Brisbane 59-27 to seal the 40-point victory. This dominant performance sets the Kings up perfectly as they prepare for a championship push, following the FIBA international window and the Play-In Tournament which will determine their playoff opponents.
Davis’s impact was undeniable, even with him resting for the final 13 minutes of the game. He concluded with 31 points and eight assists, shooting an incredible 13-of-15 from the floor. Other key contributors for the Kings included Makuach Maluach, who added 15 points, Matthew Dellavedova with 13, and Xavier Cooks, who also chipped in 13 points alongside eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
The only blemish on an otherwise stellar night for the Kings was an injury to Tyler Robertson. The young guard dislocated his shoulder in the fourth quarter while scoring 11 points.
Kings coach Brian Goorjian expressed his satisfaction with his team securing first place but acknowledged the concerning nature of Robertson’s injury.
Injury Concerns and Season Reflections
“It doesn’t look great, and he’s heading to the hospital to get it checked out, but it was a hard hit,” Goorjian commented on Robertson’s injury. “It didn’t sound like positive news for us or Tyler.”
The Brisbane Bullets, meanwhile, conclude their season with a grim record of 6-27, having suffered 13 consecutive losses. Hunter Maldonado was the team’s leading scorer against the Kings, putting up 16 points and dishing out six assists. Taine Murray contributed 13 points and three assists, while Terry Taylor added 11 points and four rebounds.
Interim Bullets coach Darryl McDonald felt the game was a poignant summary of his team’s season.
“I think it’s the story of our season – you’ve got to be able to hit shots,” McDonald stated. “We managed to knock down some shots in the first half and put up 33 points in the first quarter against the top defensive team. But you have to sustain that and keep knocking down shots, and the second and third quarters weren’t great for us.”
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Sydney Kings Secure Top Seed: The dominant win guarantees the Kings first place in the NBL regular season.
- Kendric Davis’s MVP Case: Davis’s exceptional scoring and efficiency (31 points, 13/15 FG) further strengthen his MVP credentials.
- Brisbane’s Season Concludes: The Bullets finish the season with a long losing streak, highlighting their struggles.
- Injury Setback for Kings: Tyler Robertson’s dislocated shoulder is a concern heading into the playoffs.
- Offensive Firepower: The Kings’ ability to score heavily, especially in the latter stages of the game, was a key factor.
