[Video] Cotton’s buzzer-beater levels NBL Championship Series as Adelaide stuns Sydney 91-89

The Adelaide Entertainment Centre erupted in mayhem as Bryce Cotton raced up the floor and scored the match-winning bucket as time expired, propelling the resurgent Adelaide 36ers to a breathtaking 91-89 victory against Sydney Kings. After suffering a record 44-point thrashing in Game 1, Mike Wells’ men delivered a completely different proposition in front of their deafeningly loud home fans.

Cotton led the way with a game-high 28 points, going a perfect 9/9 at the free-throw line, and had plenty to say to arch-rival Kendric Davis after his game-winner. The pair had to be separated by teammates as tensions boiled over following the dramatic finish.

BRYCE COTTON WINS THE GAME 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/1k5bGU39Pi

— NBL (@NBL) March 27, 2026

Kings’ early dominance crumbles in final quarter

Davis led the Kings with 20 points, but his side squandered a commanding 14-point third-quarter advantage. The 36ers were down nine points entering the final term before Cotton warmed to the task, helping Adelaide trim the deficit to one point just over four minutes into the pulsating final quarter.

Flynn Cameron added 17 points with 4/7 three-point shooting, while John Jenkins contributed 14 points going 4/8 from deep. DJ Vasiljevic chipped in 12 points as Adelaide shot an impressive 14/38 from beyond the arc and 19/21 at the free-throw line.

For Sydney, Xavier Cooks recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Torrey Craig had 17 points and 10 rebounds but went scoreless in the second half. Matthew Dellavedova hounded Cotton throughout the night, finishing with nine points, seven assists, and five rebounds.

Cotton delivers under pressure

With scores tied at 89-89 and 30 seconds remaining, the championship came down to the MVP and runner-up of the past two seasons. Davis missed his driving attempt, finishing 6/25 from the field, and the defensive rebound spilled to Cotton with 3.5 seconds remaining.

Cotton charged up the floor and finished a tough left-handed layup despite the best defensive efforts of Craig to win the game for the Sixers. The dramatic finish sent the home crowd of 10,058 into fever pitch and leveled the best-of-five Championship Series at one win apiece.

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The series continues on Sunday at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, with Game 4 returning to Adelaide on Wednesday. After being on the wrong end of historic thumping in Game 1, the 36ers have proven their title hopes are alive and kicking.