NBL Championship Series: Sydney Kings Thrash Adelaide 36ers in Game 1 Blowout
The Sydney Kings delivered a statement in Game 1 of the NBL Championship Series, dismantling the Adelaide 36ers 112-68 at Qudos Bank Arena on . The victory, a record-breaking margin in Kings postseason history, casts a long shadow over the best-of-five series and raises serious questions about the 36ers’ ability to compete.
The 44-point margin wasn’t simply a win; it was a comprehensive domination. The Kings’ offense, led by Kendric Davis, proved too potent for the 36ers to contain, while Sydney’s defensive intensity stifled Adelaide’s attack. The result leaves the 36ers facing a daunting uphill battle as the series shifts to Adelaide for Game 2 on .
Davis, who recently voiced his disappointment at not being named league MVP, let his play do the talking. He finished with 25 points and seven assists, boasting a remarkable +38 plus-minus. His performance underscored his value to the Kings and served as a potent response to the MVP decision, which went to Bryce Cotton.
The game wasn’t without its physical edge. Just 35 seconds into the contest, Kings veteran Matthew Dellavedova inadvertently made high contact with Cotton, sending the six-time league MVP to the floor. While not malicious, the incident signaled the Kings’ intention to make Cotton operate for every possession. And work he did, but with limited success. The Kings deployed waves of defenders, often doubling Cotton, and ultimately held him to just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting, including a dismal 1-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Cotton’s struggles were indicative of a broader offensive malaise for the 36ers. The team simply couldn’t find any rhythm, consistently failing to execute against the Kings’ relentless pressure. The Kings’ ability to wear down Cotton, forcing him to check out early in the fourth quarter, was a key tactical victory.
Beyond Davis, the Kings received significant contributions from Tim Soares, who posted 22 points and eight rebounds, and Jaylin Galloway, who added 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Their balanced scoring attack further highlighted the Kings’ depth and versatility.
The game also featured a brief but noticeable moment of tension during the post-game handshake line. Andrew Bogut and Nick Rakocevic appeared to have a heated exchange, with reports suggesting Rakocevic was reluctant to shake Bogut’s hand. The incident, while not fully captured on camera, added a layer of spice to an already intense rivalry.
The Kings’ dominance wasn’t limited to offense. They controlled the boards, out-rebounding the 36ers 47-28, and consistently disrupted Adelaide’s offensive flow. The 36ers’ defense, meanwhile, proved porous, unable to contain the Kings’ relentless attacks.
The first quarter set the tone for the evening, with the Kings jumping out to a 31-23 lead. Torrey Craig led the charge with nine points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting. The 36ers attempted to keep pace, with Isaac White contributing 11 points, but they couldn’t match the Kings’ intensity or efficiency.
As the game progressed, the Kings continued to extend their lead. An 8-0 run at the start of the third quarter pushed the margin to 28, effectively sealing the 36ers’ fate. The third quarter saw the deficit balloon to 33, leaving little doubt about the outcome.
The Kings’ 14th consecutive win underscores their current form and positions them as clear favorites to win the championship. But, the series is far from over. The 36ers will need to make significant adjustments – both strategically and mentally – if they hope to salvage the series and avoid a swift exit.
The pressure now falls squarely on the 36ers to respond in Game 2. They will need to find a way to contain Davis, limit Cotton’s effectiveness, and improve their overall offensive execution. Failure to do so could quickly lead to a series deficit that proves insurmountable.
The Kings, meanwhile, will look to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their dominant performance. They will aim to exploit the same weaknesses they exposed in Game 1 and continue to assert their control over the series. The question now is not whether the Kings *can* win the championship, but whether the 36ers can offer any meaningful resistance.