The Adelaide 36ers made a resounding statement on Monday night, storming into Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena and handing the Kings a stunning 111-96 defeat. After dropping their last three contests by sizable margins and showing signs of internal discord, the Sixers put all that noise aside and delivered a masterclass performance to silence the 11,765 fans in attendance.
Adelaide’s offensive explosion was on full display from the opening tip, as they poured in 32 points in the first quarter to take a commanding 20-point lead. The Kings attempted to mount a comeback in the second period, using a 10-0 run to trim the deficit to seven. However, the Sixers responded emphatically, closing the half on a 25-13 surge punctuated by a barrage of seven three-pointers to push their advantage back to 19 at the break.
Sixers’ Stars Shine Bright
Leading the charge for Adelaide was the dynamic backcourt duo of Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell. Davis orchestrated the offense to perfection, finishing with 30 points and 9 assists while showcasing his ability to break down defenders and create for his teammates. Harrell was a force in the paint, bullying his way to 25 points and 10 rebounds to record an impressive double-double.
The Sixers also received valuable contributions from sharpshooter DJ Vasiljevic, who knocked down 5-of-8 from beyond the arc en route to 19 points, and big man Isaac Humphries, who chipped in 17 points and 6 boards. As a team, Adelaide shot a blistering 54% from the field and an even more impressive 15-of-26 (58%) from three-point range.
Kings Struggle to Find Answers
On the other side, it was a frustrating night for Sydney, who simply had no answers for Adelaide’s offensive onslaught. Jaylen Adams shouldered the scoring load with 41 points on 12-of-24 shooting, including 6 triples, but received little help from his supporting cast. Xavier Cooks posted a solid 16-point, 15-rebound double-double, but no other King scored more than 9 points.
They played harder than us, and we didn’t match their energy and intensity.
– Sydney Kings coach Chase Buford
Perhaps most concerning for Sydney was the continued ineffectiveness of star import Cam Oliver, who was held scoreless in just 10 minutes of action. The Kings’ lack of depth and scoring punch was further highlighted by the absence of defensive ace Bul Kuol, whose presence was sorely missed on that end of the floor.
Looking Ahead
The win vaults Adelaide to 8-11 on the season and keeps their top six aspirations alive. More importantly, it provides a much-needed confidence boost for a team that had been reeling in recent weeks. The Sixers will look to build on this momentum as they return home for a crucial pair of games.
Meanwhile, Sydney falls to 11-9 but remains in the thick of the NBL playoff race. Nevertheless, the lopsided nature of this defeat raises serious questions about the Kings’ ability to contend with the league’s elite. Coach Chase Buford and his staff have their work cut out for them to get this talented roster firing on all cylinders before the postseason arrives.
- Key Takeaways:
- Adelaide’s offense erupts for 111 points on 54% shooting
- Kendric Davis (30 pts, 9 ast) and Montrezl Harrell (25 pts, 10 reb) lead the way
- Sydney’s lack of scoring depth and defensive intensity exposed
- Crucial victory keeps Sixers’ playoff hopes alive
