The Sydney Kings’ 106-93 victory over the Adelaide 36ers in Game 3 of the NBL championship series wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Personally, I think this game will be remembered as a turning point in the series, not just because it gave the Kings a 2-1 lead, but because of the way it unfolded. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Kendric Davis, often overshadowed by Bryce Cotton in the MVP race, stepped into the spotlight and delivered a performance for the ages. Scoring 30 points and recording 10 assists in a championship game? That’s not just impressive—it’s historic. It’s the kind of performance that shifts narratives and forces us to reevaluate who the real MVP of this series might be.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between Davis and Cotton. While Davis was electric, Cotton seemed uncharacteristically subdued. Sure, he had 12 assists, but his 15 points and five turnovers were a far cry from his usual dominance. What many people don’t realize is that the psychological weight of being booed by a record-breaking crowd of 18,373 fans—the largest in NBL history—can throw even the most seasoned players off their game. The Sydney crowd’s hostility wasn’t just noise; it was a strategic weapon, and it worked.
If you take a step back and think about it, the ebb and flow of this game was a microcosm of the series itself. The lead changed hands 30 times in the first three quarters, with neither team pulling away. But the Kings’ 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter, fueled by Tim Soares and Jaylin Galloway, was the decisive blow. What this really suggests is that Sydney’s depth and ability to execute under pressure might just be their winning edge. Adelaide, on the other hand, relied heavily on John Jenkins’ early three-point barrage, but when that dried up, they struggled to find consistent offense.
This raises a deeper question: Can Adelaide bounce back in Game 4? The series shifts to their home court, but momentum is firmly in Sydney’s favor. From my perspective, the 36ers need to find a way to contain Davis and get Cotton back to his MVP form. If they can’t, the Kings could very well clinch their sixth championship—and their first under Brian Goorjian’s return—on Wednesday night.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the historical context of this series. The Kings haven’t won a championship since Goorjian’s previous tenure, and this feels like a full-circle moment for the franchise. Meanwhile, Adelaide is fighting to avoid a repeat of last year’s heartbreak. What’s at stake here isn’t just a trophy—it’s legacy.
In my opinion, this series is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in NBL history. It’s not just about the basketball; it’s about the storylines, the rivalries, and the sheer unpredictability of it all. Personally, I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. But one thing’s for sure: Game 4 in Adelaide is going to be must-watch television.
