Kendric Davis delivers masterclass performance as Sydney Kings take 2-1 series lead over Adelaide 36ers
NBL Championship Series - Davis recorded 34 points, 15 assists and zero turnovers in front of a record crowd of 18,373 fans at Qudos Bank Arena, while officiating controversies dominated post-game discussions following Sydney's 106-93 victory.
Sydney Kings take 2-1 series lead over Adelaide 36ers Photo Credit: Sydney Kings
The Sydney Kings seized control of their Championship Series clash with Adelaide, claiming a crucial 106-93 victory to take a 2-1 series advantage. The win came courtesy of an extraordinary individual performance from Kendric Davis, who delivered what many are calling one of the greatest displays in NBL history.
Playing all 40 minutes for the first time this season, Davis was surgical in his execution. The 26-year-old guard finished with 34 points and 15 assists without committing a single turnover – a stat line that left Kings coach Tim Soares in disbelief.
Kendric Davis the first player in NBL history to record 34 points, 15 assists, and 0 turnovers in a game 🤯
He is your Foot Locker Player of the Game 👟 pic.twitter.com/xHbI86yUxn
— NBL (@NBL) March 29, 2026
« I thought that was a typo, » Soares said, grinning when asked about Davis’ performance.
Davis transforms pressure into perfection
The masterclass showcased Davis’ evolution as both scorer and facilitator. After finding his rhythm early with 13 first-quarter points, he adapted seamlessly when Adelaide began loading up defensively. Rather than forcing shots as he did in Game 2, Davis elevated his teammates through crisp ball movement, dishing out 11 of his 15 assists in the second half.
« His growth at what he’s trying to do here – shoot the ball, short game, floater, this handling pressure… being a scorer, a point guard, getting everybody involved, how do you evolve and get better at it? » Kings coach Brian Goorjian reflected. « You have to be in it. The opportunity to be in this series, he’s gonna grow. »
Davis shot efficiently at 11-of-19 from the field, including 4-of-8 from 3-points, while his teammates capitalized on the opportunities he created. Jaylin Galloway contributed 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, while Xavier Cooks added 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Cotton battles fatigue as officiating takes center stage
While Davis flourished, Adelaide’s Bryce Cotton faced a different challenge. The six-time MVP started strongly with nine first-half assists, but Sydney’s physical defense and quick turnaround between games began taking its toll. Cotton finished with 15 points and 12 assists but struggled with five turnovers as his usual sharpness diminished.
« He hasn’t lost a step, and his conditioning is incredible, but he’s a human, » Goorjian noted. « It’s not one guy; it’s four guys… We’re hoping, over time, to wear him down. »
The game’s officiating became a major talking point, with Adelaide coach Mike Wells expressing frustration over the foul disparity. The Kings committed just 11 fouls compared to Adelaide’s 24, with Matthew Dellavedova recording zero fouls despite guarding Cotton for over 22 minutes.
« The main guy that’s on Bryce Cotton had zero fouls, and he’s guarding him like this, » Wells said, demonstrating with both arms extended. « Those are big, big plays if we’re not gonna be able to play at the same level and compete at the same level. »
The historic performance unfolded before a record crowd of 18,373 fans at Qudos Bank Arena – the largest in NBL history and third-largest basketball crowd ever in Australia.
Sylvain Sultat follows the NBA on a daily basis, covering individual performances, team dynamics, and the league's greatest stories. On Be-Basketball, he breaks down the latest American basketball news with passion and consistency, always on the lookout for the trends shaping the world of basketball.
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