Kings Eliminate Hawks, Extend NBL Victory Streak
The Sydney Kings delivered an impressive performance on Friday night, defeating cross-town rivals Illawarra Hawks 120-94. This victory not only reinforced their standing at the top of the NBL ladder but also ended Illawarra’s title defense. The Kings’ success marked their ninth consecutive win, bringing their season record to 22-9.
Kendric Davis Shines as Kings Extend Winning Streak
Kendric Davis showcased his MVP potential by leading the Kings with 24 points. He also contributed nine assists, five rebounds, and three steals in just 26 minutes of play. This remarkable achievement comes as Davis has scored 20 or more points in eight straight games.
“I’m not trying to stat-pad to get it,” Davis stated after the game, emphasizing his commitment to the team over individual accolades. He expressed pride in his teammates and their collective effort in achieving this win.
Strong Team Performance
Alongside Davis, several other players made significant contributions to the victory:
- Tyler Robertson: 17 points
- Tim Soares: 16 points
- Kouat Noi: 14 points
Seven players from the Kings scored in double figures, prompting coach Brian Goorjian to commend the professional display. Goorjian noted that resting Davis towards the end of the game would help him prepare for their upcoming match against the Perth Wildcats.
Hawks’ Playoff Hopes Dim
For the Illawarra Hawks, this loss signals the end of their hopes for a playoff berth. With a record of 11-20, they became the fourth team in NBL history to miss the finals the year after winning the championship. Key players for the Hawks included Tyler Harvey and Sam Froling, who scored 16 and 14 points, respectively.
Hawks coach Justin Tatum reflected on the season, acknowledging the slim chances for a finals appearance after recent defeats. He noted, “The effort was there, for sure,” but recognized that the team struggled to contain the Kings’ onslaught early in the game.
As they prepare for their next road game against the Melbourne team, Tatum anticipates the return of former NBA star JaVale McGee, who was sidelined due to knee soreness.
The Kings’ decisive win over the Hawks cements their status as strong contenders as the finals approach, while Illawarra now faces the challenge of regrouping for future matches.
