Sydney Kings Dominate Adelaide 36ers in Record-Breaking NBL Championship Opener

The Sydney Kings delivered a stunning performance, defeating the Adelaide 36ers 112-68 in Game 1 of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Championship Series on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Qudos Bank Arena. The victory marks the largest margin of victory in NBL championship series history, surpassing the previous record of 37 points set in 1996.

Record-Breaking Rout

The Kings’ 44-point win was a comprehensive display of dominance, fueled by exceptional shooting and rebounding. Sydney shot 66% from the field compared to Adelaide’s 35%, and controlled the boards 47-28. The result underscores a significant disparity in performance between the two teams as they begin the best-of-five series.

Key Performances

Kendric Davis led the Kings with 25 points and seven assists, showcasing his offensive prowess. Tim Soares added a strong contribution with 22 points. Torrey Craig also had a significant impact, scoring nine points in the opening quarter.

Bryce Cotton Contained

League MVP Bryce Cotton struggled to find his rhythm, held to just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting. The Kings’ defensive strategy, featuring Matthew Dellavedova and Torrey Craig, effectively stifled Cotton’s scoring opportunities. Cotton finished the half with only five points and four turnovers.

Frustration Erupts in Handshake Line

Tensions flared after the game during the handshake line, with an apparent disagreement between Andrew Bogut and Nick Rakocevic. Reports indicate Rakocevic declined to shake Bogut’s hand, leading to a brief exchange.

Kings’ Early Dominance

Sydney established control early, leading 31-23 at the end of the first quarter. They extended their lead throughout the game, reaching a 33-point advantage in the third quarter. The Kings’ relentless attack and defensive pressure overwhelmed the 36ers.

Statistical Highlights

• Sydney Kings: 112 points, 66% field goal percentage, 47 rebounds
• Adelaide 36ers: 68 points, 35% field goal percentage, 28 rebounds
• Kendric Davis: 25 points, 7 assists
• Tim Soares: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
• Isaac White (Adelaide): 11 points
• Bryce Cotton (Adelaide): 10 points

Looking Ahead

The Sydney Kings now lead the series 1-0. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday night in Adelaide, where the 36ers will need to respond with a significantly improved performance to avoid falling into a deeper deficit.