The Sydney Kings are on fire! They've once again dominated the Brisbane Bullets, securing a resounding victory in NBL26. This wasn't just any win; it was a statement, a 25-point triumph that showcased the Kings' relentless intensity.
The Kings' defense was a brick wall, their physicality unmatched, and their offense flowed like a well-oiled machine. This combination proved too much for the Bullets, who seemed to have no answers for the Kings' prowess. The home crowd at Qudos Bank Arena was treated to a masterclass as the Kings, riding a five-game winning streak, continued their impressive run.
The Bullets, despite showing signs of improvement under interim coach Darryl McDonald with a win over the New Zealand Breakers and a narrow loss to Melbourne United, were simply outmatched. The absence of Hunter Maldonado, their newly signed injury replacement import, was keenly felt.
Sydney's defense, widely recognized as the best in the league, stifled Brisbane's offense, while the Kings themselves enjoyed contributions from multiple players. This allowed them to build a commanding lead, reaching as high as 31 points before cruising to victory.
And this is the part most people miss... The Kings have now achieved their sixth consecutive win, a feat not seen since their NBL23 championship season. This puts them at 13-7 for the season, solidifying their third-place position. Notably, this victory came without a dominant performance from Kendric Davis, who still managed 14 points and seven assists.
Xavier Cooks led the scoring with 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Other key contributors included Tim Soares (14 points, seven rebounds), Makuach Maluach (11 points), Kouat Noi (10 points), and Bul Kuol (9 points).
Brisbane has now suffered two defeats to Sydney, with a combined deficit of 62 points. Sam McDaniel and Tohi Smith-Milner were bright spots for the Bullets, each hitting four three-pointers. McDaniel finished with 18 points and four assists, while Smith-Milner added 12 points and four rebounds. Captain Mitch Norton contributed 15 points and six assists, and Tyrell Harrison had 12 points and seven rebounds.
After leading by nine points at the end of the first quarter, the Kings surged with an 11-2 run to start the second, effectively putting the game out of reach. In the third quarter, their lead ballooned to 31 points, allowing coach Brian Goorjian to give his stars some rest.
Sydney's transition play was almost unstoppable. They controlled the paint, and had many more scoring threats in their starting five. One memorable play saw a forward block Alex Ducas and then complete a one-handed dunk in transition.
Cooks' foul in the final seconds of the first half led to a free throw, extending the lead to 21 points. Kendric Davis was particularly effective from mid-range and led in assists.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Bullets' struggles were compounded by 17 turnovers, including two instances of stepping out of bounds and a crosscourt violation.
Looking ahead, the Bullets will host the Perth Wildcats on New Year's Day, while the Kings will face the Adelaide 36ers in a clash of the league's hottest teams.
HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2025/26
SYDNEY KINGS 95 (Cooks 20, Davis 14, Soares 14)
BRISBANE BULLETS 70 (McDaniel 18, Norton 15, Smith-Milner 12, Harrison 12)
BOX SCORE (https://www.nbl.com.au/matches/sydney-kings-v-brisbane-bullets-men-30-12-2025)
What do you think of the Kings' dominant performance? Do you agree that their defense is the best in the league? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
