Kings turn up the heat to dismantle Breakers

The Sydney Kings have wrapped up their CODE Sports NBL Blitz campaign on a high, defeating the New Zealand Breakers 95–74 at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena on Friday night.

After falling to South East Melbourne in their opening pre-season contest, the reigning champions responded with a much sharper performance at both ends of the floor.

Makuach Maluach led the way with 22 points, including 12 in an electric opening quarter, while Torrey Craig impressed with 14 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Matthew Dellavedova also made his first Blitz appearance, giving Sydney valuable minutes and leadership in the backcourt.

The Kings established control early, connecting on five of their first six three-point attempts to take a 30–24 advantage into the opening break.

New Zealand remained within striking distance during the second quarter, but Sydney continued to find answers and carried a 51–44 lead into half-time.

The decisive surge arrived after the main break.

Sydney’s defence restricted the Breakers to just 10 third-quarter points, while the Kings added another 20 to stretch their advantage to 71–54 heading into the final period.

There was no way back for New Zealand from there, with Sydney winning the fourth quarter 24–20 to complete a convincing 21-point victory.

The Kings’ ball security and perimeter shooting were central to the result. Sydney converted 42 per cent of its attempts from beyond the arc and committed only seven turnovers, compared with 15 from the Breakers.

Jason Spurgin contributed six points, six rebounds and two assists, while Harry Wessels added six points and six boards as Sydney again shared minutes throughout its extended pre-season rotation.

The victory gives the Kings a 1–1 record from their two games in Bendigo and provides positive momentum as preparations continue for the NBL27 season.