The Sydney Kings achieved a stunning overtime victory against Melbourne United, marking their second consecutive win over the team. The Kings pulled off a come-from-behind win with a score of 90-86, despite trailing by seven points in the final minutes. This victory at John Cain Arena left Melbourne United reeling from their fourth straight loss.
NBL Early Leaders Shocked by Delly’s OT Upset
The Kings forced the game into overtime, tying the scores at 84-all after a layup from Xavier Cooks, who was assisted by Kendric Davis. In overtime, Davis opened the scoring with a crucial three-pointer. He later made a free throw, giving the Kings a narrow lead with only seconds to spare.
Key Performers
- Kendric Davis: Scored a game-high 26 points, along with six assists.
- Matthew Dellavedova: Contributed 15 points and four rebounds in his homecoming match.
- Xavier Cooks: Had six points and five rebounds, including a vital block on Chris Goulding.
- Kouat Noi: Strong start with 10 points but exited with an elbow injury.
United struggled notably, shooting just 1 for 28 from three-point range, while the Kings had better success, finishing with 13 for 36. The game was competitive with the lead changing multiple times, and it followed a similar trend from previous matchups between the rivals.
Impact of the Loss on Melbourne United
This defeat puts United at a 13-6 record, showcasing a significant decline since their undefeated start of 9-0 this season. Their most recent match prior to facing the Kings ended in a nine-point overtime loss to the Adelaide 36ers.
Wildcats Rebound with Strong Performance
In another match, the Perth Wildcats dominated the Brisbane Bullets with an impressive scoreline of 86-62. This result marked a vital turnaround for the Wildcats, who had been struggling with only one win in their last four games.
Game Highlights
- David Duke Jr: Scored 14 points and contributed three assists.
- Ben Henshall: Led with 15 points and made two steals.
- Terry Taylor: Despite the team’s struggles, he managed to score 18 points for Brisbane.
The Wildcats’ strong defensive effort was key, forcing 16 turnovers from the Bullets. This win maintains Perth’s placement as a contender in fifth position.
Brisbane’s Struggles Continue
The Bullets faced a challenging season, losing six consecutive games since losing key player Casey Prather to injury. Their performance at home has particularly faltered, with the team suffering 10 losses in their last 11 home games.
Both matches this weekend highlight the fierce competition in the NBL, with teams battling to establish dominance as they head deeper into the season.
