Sydney Kings Dominate Adelaide 36ers 112-68 in Historic NBL Championship Game 1 Series Opener

The Sydney Kings sent a resounding message in Game 1 of the 2026 NBL Championship Series, dismantling the Adelaide 36ers 112-68 in what became the largest margin of victory in NBL Championship Series history. The 44-point shellacking puts the Kings in commanding position with a 1-0 series lead heading into Friday’s Game 2 in Adelaide.

What unfolded at Sydney was a perfect storm of strategic execution on both ends of the floor. The game effectively ended at the 9:23 mark of the third quarter when the Kings hit back-to-back 3-points to extend their lead to 65-39, reaching what felt like a point of no return for the struggling 36ers.

Defensive masterclass neutralizes Cotton

The Kings’ defensive game plan centered around containing Bryce Cotton, the six-time MVP who had averaged 36.3 points in the 36ers’ semifinal series against Phoenix. Sydney’s approach was methodical and relentless, deploying a rotation of defenders including Matthew Dellavedova, Makuach Maluach, Jaylin Galloway, and Torrey Craig.

« Whenever we feel like it, honestly, » Craig explained about the defensive rotations. « A lot of it is just cross matches; once they get a rebound, or if we score, the closest guy takes it. I trust that whoever’s on him is gonna do a good job. »

The strategy proved devastatingly effective. Cotton finished with just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting and 1-of-5 from beyond the 3-point line, posting a -34 plus/minus in 32 minutes. The Kings forced Cotton off the 3-point line and consistently presented multiple defenders, creating what amounted to a wall of bodies.

« We have different matchups for him, and the initial start was: Delly’s got a strong body… putting a body on him and using his physical strength early, » Kings coach Brian Goorjian said. « Length, quickness, and then body strength. We tried to change it up. »

Davis leads offensive explosion

While the defense stifled Cotton, Kendric Davis orchestrated the Kings’ offensive clinic. Davis finished with 25 points and seven assists, including 14 points in a dominant third quarter that effectively sealed the victory. His performance continued a season-long trend of outscoring Cotton in head-to-head matchups.

Kendric Davis came to play in Game 1 💪

He is your Foot Locker Player of the Game 👟 pic.twitter.com/FSnMSGUqMj

— NBL (@NBL) March 21, 2026

The Kings’ offensive flow was complemented by stellar performances from multiple contributors. Soares dominated early, shooting 6-of-6 from the field in the first half en route to 22 points. Jaylin Galloway added 15 points as both a shooter and slasher, while Makuach Maluach contributed 12 points.

« [It’s] just being in the right spots, » Soares said. « We’ve got so many weapons, from JG, Makuach, Torrey coming in too, it’s opened up everything. As long as we keep our foot down, I think it’s gonna be tough. »

Game 2 shifts to Adelaide on Friday night, where the 36ers will attempt to regroup and find answers for the Kings’ suffocating defense and balanced offensive attack.