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Kings Dominate Hawks, Surge to Top Two
29 Jan
Summary
- Sydney Kings secured sixth consecutive win, entering top-two.
- Kendric Davis led Sydney with 22 points and nine assists.
- Illawarra Hawks' title defense is on life support after 17th loss.
The Sydney Kings have ascended to the top-two spots in the NBL for the first time this season, extending their winning streak to six games with a dominant 122-104 defeat of the Illawarra Hawks. This marked the Kings' third victory over the Hawks this season, showcasing their championship aspirations with their highest score of NBL 26. Seven Kings players reached double-digit scoring, underscoring their offensive depth. Kendric Davis was instrumental, contributing 22 points and nine assists, supported by Tim Soares' 23 points. The Hawks' defense struggled, with only Tyler Harvey offering significant resistance, scoring a game-high 25 points.
Matthew Dellavedova made a welcome return to the court after a concussion, immediately taking on the defensive assignment for Tyler Harvey and contributing seven assists in 20 minutes. Despite a brief Hawks resurgence early in the second quarter, Sydney's offense responded powerfully, building an 18-point halftime lead. The Kings further extended their advantage in the third quarter, prompting a strong reaction from Hawks coach Justin Tatum regarding his team's effort. However, the Hawks showed renewed fight for the remainder of the period, reducing the deficit to 17 points.
