The Sydney Kings have officially seized control of the NBL title race — and in emphatic fashion.
With authority, precision, and an unmistakable championship edge, the Kings dismantled the Illawarra Hawks 120–94 at WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday night, extending their winning streak to nine straight games. The victory not only ended Illawarra’s reign as defending champions but also positioned Sydney firmly atop the league standings as the finals loom.
This was more than just another win in a heated rivalry. It was a declaration.
Sydney’s fourth consecutive triumph over their arch rivals this season completed a clean sweep of the Hawks — a fitting reversal after Illawarra had swept the Kings 4-0 en route to last season’s championship. The message was unmistakable: the throne is up for grabs, and the Kings are ready to reclaim it.
Kings Eyeing the No.1 Seed
With a 22-9 record, Sydney now sits alone at the summit of the NBL ladder. Two more wins — against the Perth Wildcats at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday and the Brisbane Bullets next Friday — would secure the coveted No.1 seed heading into the finals.
Momentum is everything in championship basketball, and right now, no team in the competition carries more of it than the Kings.
Meanwhile, Illawarra’s season has unravelled at the worst possible time. Slumping to their fourth defeat in five games, the Hawks now sit eighth at 11-20 — too far adrift of sixth-placed Tasmania (14-17) to qualify for the playoffs and defend the title they won so memorably last season.
The champions’ fall has been swift. The Kings ensured it was decisive.
Kendric Davis Strengthens MVP Credentials
At the heart of Sydney’s dominance is point guard Kendric Davis, who continues to build a compelling case for NBL Most Valuable Player honours.
Davis orchestrated the demolition with 24 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals in just three quarters of play. Despite picking up his fourth foul late in the third period and sitting out the entire fourth quarter, his imprint on the contest was already indelible.
He dictated tempo, attacked mismatches, and sliced through Illawarra’s defence with surgical precision.
But this was no one-man show.
Tyler Robertson contributed 17 points and seven rebounds in an energetic two-way display. Tim Soares matched that rebounding output while adding 16 points in the paint. Kouat Noi poured in 14 points, while Xavier Cooks and Makuach Maluach chipped in with 11 apiece. Jaylin Galloway rounded out the balanced offensive effort with 10 points.
The Kings’ depth was overwhelming. Every unit that stepped onto the floor extended the advantage.
A Blistering Start Sets the Tone
From the opening tip, Sydney made their intentions clear.
The Kings drained their first six shots of the game, exploding to a 15-5 lead within three minutes. Hawks coach Justin Tatum was forced into an early timeout, searching for answers to Sydney’s relentless pace and defensive pressure.
There were none.
Sydney’s speed in transition and suffocating half-court defence produced a 34-19 lead by the end of the first quarter. Illawarra looked stunned.
The second quarter offered little relief. Davis, Soares and Cooks dominated both inside and beyond the arc as the Kings pushed the margin to 18 points. Illawarra struggled with energy and execution, appearing disconnected on both ends of the floor.
A late 14-4 run sparked by Mason Peatling, Will Hickey and Johny Narkle briefly reduced the deficit to 51-43, but Sydney quickly steadied to take a commanding 58-46 lead into halftime.
Hawks Rally Briefly — Kings Respond Ruthlessly
Illawarra showed signs of life early in the third quarter, opening with a 10-3 run to cut the deficit to 61-56. The home crowd stirred as the Hawks closed within 68-64 with under four minutes remaining in the period.
For a moment, a comeback felt possible.
But championship-calibre teams know how to extinguish hope.
The Kings closed the third quarter on a 16-5 burst, reasserting full control. By the time the fourth quarter began, Sydney held an 84-69 advantage.
They weren’t finished.
Sydney opened the final term with nine unanswered points, stretching the lead to 93-69 and effectively ending the contest. From there, it was about closing professionally — and sending a message to the rest of the league.
JaVale McGee Ruled Out but Expected Back
Illawarra were dealt a late blow 30 minutes before tip-off when three-time former NBA champion JaVale McGee was ruled out with sore knees. His absence left the Hawks thin in the paint, particularly against Sydney’s physical frontcourt presence.
McGee is expected to return for Illawarra’s final two road games against Melbourne United and Tasmania next week, but by then, the Hawks’ playoff hopes will be mathematically extinguished.
“Mullet Man” Celebrates Milestone Night
While the result was painful for the Hawks, there was one bright moment for the home faithful.
Dan Grida, affectionately known as the “Mullet Man,” celebrated his 150th NBL appearance for Illawarra. Elevated to the starting lineup for the milestone game, the popular guard provided trademark energy.
Grida knocked down a three-pointer late in the first quarter and added another triple early in the third before finishing with a highlight dunk during Illawarra’s brief rally. He closed the night with eight points in his milestone outing.
The crowd showed their appreciation — many sporting mullet wigs in tribute to the 27-year-old Perth product who has become a fan favourite since joining the Hawks in 2018.
“This year has probably been one of his most productive years,” former NBL journeyman guard Jason Cadee said in the pre-game coverage on Fox Sports.
Though the scoreboard told a different story, Grida’s milestone was a reminder of the heart that has defined Illawarra’s recent rise.
Anything You Can Do…
After last season’s 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Hawks, the Kings have now returned the favour in emphatic style.
Sydney defeated Illawarra 122-104 on January 29, 108-84 on Christmas night, and 98-71 on November 16 before Friday’s 120-94 rout completed the sweep and reclaimed the Adrian Hurley Cup.
The rivalry has swung back north of the Harbour.
And if current form is any indicator, the Kings may not be done collecting silverware.