The 2025–26 NBL Finals are poised to deliver a thrilling showdown as the Adelaide 36ers and Sydney Kings clash in a historic best-of-five series. This marks the first finals meeting between these two powerhouses, setting the stage for an electrifying battle. The anticipation surrounding this matchup has been fueled by a simmering rivalry between star guards Kendric Davis and Bryce Cotton, whose personal and professional tensions have captivated fans and analysts alike.
This rivalry has been brewing for over a year, ignited by off-court drama and competitive spirit. As the finals approach, the spotlight is firmly on how these dynamics will play out on the court. The series kicks off tomorrow, March 21, at 7 PM AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena, promising a spectacle for basketball enthusiasts.
Davis and the 36ers: A Tumultuous Journey
Kendric Davis made a sensational debut in the NBL with the Adelaide 36ers, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s standout performers. With an impressive average of 25.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game, Davis finished second in MVP voting, narrowly missing out to Bryce Cotton. However, his time with the 36ers was marred by internal conflicts and public disputes.
A notable incident involved a locker room clash with head coach Mike Wells, where Davis defended a teammate during a heated exchange. Additionally, tensions with former 36ers import Montrezl Harrell spilled into the public sphere, with Harrell labeling Davis a “bitter ex” in a pre-season interview. These events foreshadowed Davis’s eventual departure from Adelaide.
In a candid interview on NBL Now, Davis revealed the breakdown in contract negotiations with the 36ers, citing a lack of communication and transparency. “They just ghosted me during the season,” Davis recounted, expressing his disappointment over the handling of his contract situation. The impasse led to his move to the Sydney Kings, where he found a fresh start and a chance to rewrite his narrative.
The MVP Race: A Battle for Supremacy
The MVP race between Davis and Cotton has been a focal point of the NBL for the past two seasons. In his first year, Davis’s remarkable performance was overshadowed by Cotton’s dominance, who secured the MVP title with 119 votes to Davis’s 82. The following season, the dynamics shifted dramatically as Davis joined the Sydney Kings, while Cotton made a high-profile move to Adelaide.
Both players delivered stellar performances, but the MVP race was fiercely contested. Cotton edged out Davis with a narrow 96–94 victory, sparking controversy and debate. Davis voiced his frustration on Instagram Live, questioning the voting system and highlighting Sydney’s superior regular-season record against Adelaide. “It’s something they can’t vote on,” Davis remarked, emphasizing his focus on the championship.
2025–26 season averages:
Cotton: 25.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 43.8% shooting
Davis: 24.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 47.5% shooting
Despite the controversy, both players have expressed mutual respect, adding depth to their competitive rivalry. The finals series promises to be a showcase of their talents, with each player eager to prove their mettle on the biggest stage.
Off-Court Drama and Its Impact
The rivalry between Davis and Cotton extends beyond the court, with off-court drama adding layers to their competitive relationship. In February, Sydney assistant coach Andrew Bogut commented on reports of a players-only meeting within Adelaide, discussing the future of coach Mike Wells. This prompted a response from 36ers owner Grant Kelley, who criticized Bogut for his public remarks.
“It was very unfortunate for an assistant coach of another club to do that,” Kelley stated on The FIVEAA Sports Show, highlighting the tensions between the two organizations. While Sydney issued an apology to Adelaide’s general manager, the incident underscored the intensity of the rivalry.
As the finals series approaches, all eyes are on how these off-court dynamics will influence the on-court performance of both teams. With everything on the line, the stage is set for a memorable showdown that will be remembered in NBL history.
The culmination of a year’s worth of drama, rivalry, and anticipation leads to this moment. Game 1 of the finals series is set to tip off, promising a captivating battle between two of the league’s most talented guards and their respective teams. The outcome remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the NBL Finals will be a spectacle to behold.
