Kendric Davis powers Sydney Kings to sixth NBL title in overtime upset before record crowd

The Sydney Kings secured their sixth NBL championship after a dramatic 113‑101 overtime victory over the Adelaide 36ers in the decisive fifth game of the series.

In front of a record‑breaking crowd of 18,589 spectators at the Sydney venue on Easter Sunday, Kings guard Kendric Davis delivered a stellar performance, tallying 35 points and 14 assists, which earned him the series MVP honor.

Adelaide’s star guard Bryce Cotton matched Davis with 35 points, fueling a fierce duel that defined the series and kept the 36ers within striking distance until the final minutes.

The 36ers entered the last quarter of regulation holding a seven‑point lead and appeared poised to capture their first title since 2002. However, Davis sank a crucial basket with 30 seconds left, and Tim Soares’s tip‑in forced a 95‑95 tie with six seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime.

During the extra period, Davis set the tone by stealing the ball early and adding seven more points, while 36ers forward Nick Rakocevic fouled out after a contested play. The Kings built a decisive 13‑point advantage, highlighted by Makuach Maluach’s emphatic dunk in the final minute.

The triumph also marks the first championship for the Kings since legendary coach Brian Goorjian returned to revitalize the club last season, fulfilling expectations after a season highlighted by a record‑breaking 44‑point Game 1 win.

For Adelaide, the loss ends a heart‑breaking campaign that saw the 36ers rally from a heavy Game 1 defeat to level the series twice, only to fall short of ending their 24‑year title drought.