A win over Perth keeps the Kings in top spot

They are the hottest team in the NBL, and at Qudos Bank Arena today, the Sydney Kings showed just why.

After moving to the top of the ladder on Friday night for the first time this season, the Kings now control their own destiny in the race for the 2025/26 championship following a 102-84 win over the fourth-placed Perth Wildcats.

It was the Kings’ 10th straight victory and their 16th win from their last 17 games.

A victory over the bottom-placed Brisbane Bullets in Brisbane next Friday night will see the Brian Goorjian coached Kings finish the regular season on top, and more importantly, giving Sydney a vital home court semi-finals advantage.

With the Wildcats' clash officially the fastest selling regular season game in the Kings proud history, a crowd of 13,613 at Qudos Bank Arena saw the round 21 match played in front of an electric finals type atmosphere.

The opening quarter saw both sides go at it hard, with the lead changing 19 times with the Wildcats taking a 29-28 lead after the first 10 minutes. Guard Makuach Maluach led the way for the Kings with nine points, including two three pointers.

The Kings stepped their defence up in the second quarter as MVP contender Kendric Davis found his rhythm with Sydney getting out to their biggest lead of nine.

The Wildcats steadied the flow a little before the Kings maintained control to lead 55-45 at half-time.

Sydney put the foot down in the third quarter to stretch their lead to 20 as Perth struggled under the relentless pressure from the home side with the Kings leading 79-64 heading into the final quarter.

Davis, who was averaging 24 points per game, recorded his fourth double of the season, finishing with 30 points and 10 assists in another dynamic performance.

He was well supported by Cooks with a double after the experienced forward posted 14 points and four assists. Maluach also contributed strongly with 18 points.

To top off a great win, the Kings surpassed the 100 points mark for the seventh straight time this season.

Sydney also won three of their four games this season against Perth.

Now, that’s hot!