Sobey Catches Fire as Phoenix Soar Past Kings

Nathan Sobey lit up John Cain Arena, pouring in 33 points to lead the South East Melbourne Phoenix to a thrilling 112–95 win over the Sydney Kings on Thursday night.

It was a fiery and physical contest that swung on the Phoenix’s second-half surge — 67 points of pure offensive rhythm that turned a three-point halftime deficit into a 17-point statement victory.

Sobey was electric from the jump, hitting 6-of-11 from deep to go with five assists and five rebounds in one of the standout performances of NBL26 so far. His energy and shot-making lifted a Phoenix side that’s now won four of its first six games.

Import guard Hunter Maldonado was efficient and composed with 17 points on 5-of-6 shooting, while point guard Owen Foxwell impressed again with 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds in his ongoing duel with Sydney’s Kendric Davis.

Co-captain Jordan Hunter punished his old club with 15 points, drilling all three of his attempts from long range, while new import Wes Iwundu and Akech Aliir both added 10 apiece in a balanced effort.

The Kings looked sharp early, riding Davis’s brilliance to a 48–45 halftime edge. But once South East Melbourne’s perimeter shooting clicked — finishing 16-of-33 from beyond the arc — the tide turned fast.

Davis kept fighting, finishing with 31 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Tim Soares chipped in 24 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Matthew Dellavedova and Kouat Noi each added 14, but Sydney’s bench struggled to provide a spark. Former MVP Xavier Cooks had a night to forget, fouling out after just three points in 20 minutes.

Tensions boiled over late when Sobey and Davis exchanged words following a foul, prompting players from both sides to converge. Davis picked up a technical, and Sobey calmly buried the free throw as the Phoenix pushed the lead beyond reach.

The win cements the Phoenix’s early momentum after their 40-point demolition of Illawarra, while the Kings drop to 3–4, left to ponder another inconsistent performance on the road.

The Phoenix now travel to Brisbane to face the Bullets on Saturday, while Sydney return home to host the Tasmania JackJumpers on Sunday.

Final score: South East Melbourne Phoenix 112 defeated Sydney Kings 95.