The Sydney Kings have solidified their reputation as the team to beat in the NBL, securing an eighth consecutive victory by overpowering the South East Melbourne Phoenix with a decisive 114-88 win at a packed John Cain Arena on Sunday. The match, which was marked by intense moments and a near-physical altercation, showcased the Kings’ ability to maintain composure under pressure.
The Kings’ triumph not only strengthens their hold on a top-two spot in the league but also sees the Phoenix slip to third place, a stark contrast to their position at the top just a day earlier. Leading the charge for the Kings was point guard Kendric Davis, whose MVP-caliber performance silenced the fervent Phoenix crowd.
Kendric Davis Shines Amidst Tension
Davis, unfazed by the boos from Phoenix supporters, delivered a stunning performance with 30 points, nine assists, four rebounds, and two steals. His versatility as a scorer, facilitator, and energizer was on full display, particularly when he halted a threatening 12-0 run by the Phoenix in the second quarter.
In the ongoing MVP conversation, Davis’s name is now mentioned alongside 36ers superstar Bryce Cotton. His contribution was complemented by big man Xavier Cooks, who was remarkably efficient with 20 points on perfect shooting, and Jaylin Galloway, who added 14 points and made crucial plays throughout the game.
Depth and Strategy: Kings’ Winning Formula
The Kings’ depth was evident as coach Brian Goorjian utilized his bench effectively, bringing in stars like Matthew Dellavedova, Kouat Noi, and the newly acquired Torrey Craig to maintain pressure on the Phoenix. This strategic depth left the Phoenix struggling to find a player who could match Davis’s impact.
Despite a strong start, the Phoenix faltered after halftime, being outscored 59-34. The game took a heated turn early in the second quarter when tensions flared between the teams. A physical exchange between John Brown III and Xavier Cooks led to an offensive foul, escalating emotions on the court.
Tempers Flare in High-Stakes Match
Emotions nearly boiled over when Davis and Phoenix’s Owen Foxwell became entangled, leading to a scuffle that saw players from both teams converge. The tension peaked with Kings coach Brian Goorjian’s outburst at Foxwell, resulting in a technical foul.
“I’m not talking to you, b***h. I’m not talking to you. F*** you. F*** you!” Goorjian was heard yelling, highlighting the intensity of the encounter.
Fortunately, the situation was defused, allowing the game to continue without further incident. Davis, despite being the target of the Phoenix crowd’s ire, took control in the second half, guiding the Kings to a commanding victory.
Injury Concerns Amidst Victory
The match was not without its scares. Kings recruit Torrey Craig experienced a heavy fall after a collision with Phoenix veteran Ian Clark. Despite the awkward landing, Craig managed to continue, demonstrating resilience in a game filled with high stakes and physicality.
The Phoenix, despite their loss, had notable performances from Nathan Sobey and John Brown III, each contributing 15 points. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Kings’ dominance.
NBL SCOREBOARD: South East Melbourne Phoenix 88 (Sobey 15, Brown III 15) lt Sydney Kings 114 (Davis 30, Cooks 20) at John Cain Arena, Melbourne.
This victory underscores the Kings’ formidable presence in the league, as they continue to build momentum towards the finals. The Phoenix, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address the gaps exposed in this encounter as they aim to reclaim their top spot.
