Sydney Kings Claim NBL Throne in Dramatic Overtime Thriller
In front of a record-breaking crowd, the Sydney Kings have ascended to the summit of the National Basketball League (NBL) once again. The Kings secured their sixth championship in a pulse-pounding Game 5 victory over the Adelaide 36ers, capping off the 2025-26 season with an epic fourth-quarter comeback at Qudos Bank Arena.
The victory marks the Kings’ third title in just five years, cementing their status as a modern dynasty in Australian basketball. The championship was decided in a high-stakes overtime battle, where Sydney ultimately prevailed with a 113-101 win.
A Record-Breaking Atmosphere and a Clutch Comeback
The energy at Qudos Bank Arena reached an all-time high as an NBL record crowd of 18,589 fans witnessed one of the most dramatic finishes in league history. The Kings found themselves in a precarious position late in regulation, trailing by four points with only 37 seconds remaining on the clock.
Sydney managed to cut the deficit to two before a critical offensive rebound and put-back by Tim Soares sent the game into overtime. Once in the extra period, the Kings shifted gears completely, dominating the 36ers with an 18-6 run to seal the championship.
Kendric Davis: From Doubt to MVP
The centerpiece of the Kings’ success was Kendric Davis, who earned the Championship Series MVP honors. Davis delivered a stellar performance, recording 35 points and 14 assists, including seven of his points coming during the decisive overtime period.
Following the victory, Davis shared an emotional message regarding his journey and the trust placed in him by Head Coach Brian Goorjian. “Goorj gave me an opportunity after everyone tried to bash my name,” Davis stated, emphasizing the resilience required to reach this peak. “It didn’t start out pretty and they stuck with us. I can’t be prouder of my teammates.”
Building a Legacy: Six Championships
With this latest victory, the Sydney Kings have now won six NBL championships (2003, 2004, 2005, 2022, 2023, and 2026). This achievement places them in a tie for second-most championships in NBL history alongside Melbourne United, trailing only the Perth Wildcats, who hold ten titles.
The Kings’ success is built on a foundation that dates back to October 1987, when the team was formed from a merger between the West Sydney Westars and the Sydney SuperSonics. Under the current leadership of General Manager James Newman and Coach Brian Goorjian, the team continues to leverage the formidable home-court advantage of Qudos Bank Arena.
Key Takeaways from the 2026 NBL Finals
- Final Score: Sydney Kings 113, Adelaide 36ers 101 (Overtime).
- MVP: Kendric Davis with 35 points and 14 assists.
- Historic Crowd: 18,589 fans attended Game 5, setting a fresh NBL record.
- Defining Play: Tim Soares’ put-back with 37 seconds left forced overtime.
- Dynasty Status: The Kings have now won three championships in the last five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the head coach of the Sydney Kings?
The Sydney Kings are led by Head Coach Brian Goorjian.
Where do the Sydney Kings play their home games?
The team plays their home games at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park.
How many championships have the Sydney Kings won?
The Kings have won six championships: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2022, 2023, and 2026.
As the Kings celebrate their latest triumph, the league looks forward to how this victory reshapes the competitive landscape of the NBL. For more updates and team news, visit the official Sydney Kings website.
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