Kings claim NBL's regular season championship

The Sydney Kings have officially secured the title as regular season champions, following the Cairns Taipans' loss to the Adelaide 36ers on Monday night.

The result meant the Kings' two-game gap at the top of the ladder becomes insurmountable, thanks to Chase Buford's team boasting a 19-7 record going into the final round of the NBL23 season.

Kings star and NBL23 MVP finalist Xavier Cooks outlined why securing that all-important top spot is so crucial heading into the post-season.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE UPCOMING NBL23 FINALS HERE

"It's really important [to finish on top and have home court advantage], especially with the way our crowds have been lately," Cooks said.

"It's been tough for away teams to come play in our gym [Qudos Bank Arena].

"At the same time, it's good to get out of the play-in tournament and miss a few games - which is good for us to try and get some extra rest."

Our nominees for the #NBL23 season awards?

Chase Buford has been nominated for Coach of the Year, and Xavier Cooks has been nominated for NBL's most prestigious honour, the Andrew Gaze Most Valuable Player Trophy.

More details: https://t.co/BASHI2Z583#WeTheKings pic.twitter.com/J9Xio2F3Hm

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) January 29, 2023

The Hoops Capital outfit next play the Adelaide 36ers on Friday night at 7:30pm AEDT, which will be broadcast on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Foxtel.

Following that match and Sunday's game at Perth, the reigning champions' Hungry Jack's NBL Finals Series is slated to run from February 15-20 (TBC) - with the harbour city side locked in to host series two of the playoffs, taking on the winner of the sudden death play-in game.

To ensure you don't miss any of the action at Qudos Bank Arena, from 9am, Sunday, February 5, full-season members will first be offered the chance to purchase their same seats (with this pre-sale ending at 7am Tuesday, February 7).

Then from 11am on February 7, all Kings members including partial season members will be able to purchase all other remaining tickets.

From 4pm Tuesday, February 7, the general public will be able to access the remaining tickets for the Kings' finals charge.

All information, including tickets, for our Hungry Jacks Finals Series tilt, can be found here.