Cooks' historic performance powers Kings to win over Phoenix

The Sydney Kings have locked in an all-important top-two spot by defeating the South East Melbourne Phoenix 111-106 at Qudos Bank Arena, during the club's first-ever Pride Round fixture.

On top of that, it saw star forward Xavier Cooks record the first triple-double of the season - in front of the sixth-largest crowd in franchise history (13, 273). 

That crowd, the sixth straight over 11,000, has helped the Hoops Capital club set a new season total and average crowd record – eclipsing the mark of the 2019-20 season, which included the club’s highest-ever attended game (17,514) against the LaMelo Ball-led Illawarra Hawks. 

Match summary 

Both teams came out aggressive, with huge finals implications on the line – with little separating (14-11 to the Phoenix) halfway through the term. A 16-5 run by the visitors, sparked by Mitch Creek, stretched that lead and put them up by six towards the end of the term. The hosts scored 10 of the final points of the period though, to carry a 28-25 lead at the first change. 

The desperate Phoenix again started the term the stronger, thanks to an 8-5 run. Emphatic dunks by Angus Glover and Justin Simon settled brought the fans to their feet and helped the Kings keep their noses in front in the second term. As time ticked down of the half, MVP front-runner Xavier Cooks and point guard Derrick Walton Jr kept the scoreboard ticking over – guiding the reigning champions to a 56-51 lead at half-time. 

Both sides traded baskets early in the third, seeing the lead change hands numerous times. Sydney, behind crafty handles by Walton Jr and back-to-back triples by Kouat Noi, then went on a 13-6 run, to push out to a seven-point lead. A late three-pointer by Dejan Vasiljevic was cancelled out by an effort by Gary Browne, as the harbour city side led by six (84-78) at the final change. 

That lead ballooned to nine behind a scoring outburst by Vasiljevic but wasteful turnovers by the hosts and tough buckets by Alan Williams kept South East Melbourne within striking distance – trailing by just two with 3.22 to play. The visitors hit the front, once Cooks and Tim Soares were fouled out, thanks to Trey Kell III and Creek 106-105. But a late score by Vasiljevic and gutsy stops on the defensive end and clutch free-throws by Jordi Hunter and Walton Jr, sealed the five-point win – which locked up an all-important top-two spot for Sydney. 

Where the match was decided 

The win, in the Kings’ final home of the regular season, was set up by statistical victories in field goal percentage (56-44), free-throws percentage (89-78), assists (24-17), points in the paint (56-42), bench points (35-29) and fast-break points (15-4). 

Key moment  

With the game on the line, the Kings held their nerves and outscored their rivals 8-5 over the final 2.25, to secure their 19th win of the campaign. 

Player of the game 

MVP contender Cooks had a historic night in the purple and gold, registering the first triple-double of any player in NBL23 with 16 points (on 7/13 shooting), 10 rebounds and 10 assists. 

That also makes him the first Sydney player to do so since Dontaye Draper in 2008 and just the fifth King ever to achieve the feat. 

The 27-year-old was well-supported by Walton Jr (22), Vasiljevic (21), Simon (12), Hunter (11) and Noi (11).

What’s next 

The first-placed harbour city side, who are now 19-7, finish their NBL23 regular season with road fixtures against Adelaide (Friday) and Perth (Sunday). 

The reigning champs will then return to Sydney for the start of the post-season.

The Kings will host a semi-final in the week commencing February 13 with the exact date to be confirmed.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10am on Tuesday, February 7. Members keep an eye on your email.

All details on game times and tickets coming soon here.