Remaining one of the top contenders in the National Basketball League (NBL) as the season approaches its conclusion, the Sydney Kings delivered a commanding performance, securing an 18-point victory over the Illawarra Hawks in their latest matchup.
The Hawks made the journey up the highway to face the Kings at Qudos Bank Arena, hoping to keep their playoff hopes alive, with the sixth spot still up for grabs. However, they encountered a formidable challenge in the Kings, who had their sights set on moving into second place and gaining momentum as the postseason looms.
The Kings set the tone early in the game, showcasing a dominant first-half performance that saw them build a lead of as much as 29 points. Their offensive display was the best of the 2025/26 season, reflecting their high potential.
The final scoreline read Sydney Kings (122) def. Illawarra Hawks (104). Displaying remarkable efficiency, the Kings scored an impressive 122 points without needing overtime, shooting 58 percent from the field and an outstanding 53 percent from beyond the arc, which exploited the Hawks’ defensive vulnerabilities and created numerous scoring opportunities.
Sydney exhibited excellent ball movement with a total of 30 assists against just 13 turnovers, demonstrating their adeptness on offense. The Kings have dominated their New South Wales rivals this season, winning all three encounters decisively, cementing their status as the top team in the state.
This particular victory was a product of a strong team effort from the Kings, with multiple players contributing to the success—a positive sign as they head into a competitive postseason. The inclusion of Torrey Craig and the returns of Matthew Dellavedova and Xavier Cooks from injuries have bolstered Sydney’s roster depth significantly.
MVP contender Kendric Davis led the scoring for the Kings with 22 points and nine assists while maintaining impressive shooting accuracy (5 of 8 from the field and a perfect 10 of 10 from the free-throw line). His pivotal role has been instrumental in elevating the Kings to their current standing.
Tim Soares topped the Kings’ scoreline with 23 points, successfully anchoring the paint against the formidable JaVale McGee. Other key contributions came from Makuach Maluach (21 points, 3 of 4 from three-point range), Craig (14 points, five rebounds, five assists, two blocks), Cooks (15 points, six rebounds), and Kouat Noi (12 points).
Despite trailing for most of the game, the Hawks’ captain, Tyler Harvey, delivered a spirited performance, scoring 25 points upon his return to the starting lineup. His resurgence could greatly enhance Illawarra’s chances as they aspire to regain form and strength down the stretch of the season.
With the Kings demonstrating such strong performances, hopes are high as they continue their push for a successful postseason run.