Taipans Edge Kings to Cap Perfect Weekend

The Cairns Taipans have turned around their faltering start to NBL26 in emphatic fashion, completing a double-win weekend with a 77–74 triumph over the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday.

Jack McVeigh was the standout, scoring 24 points to go with nine rebounds and four assists on efficient 9-of-14 shooting. But it was import guard Andrew Andrews who delivered in the clutch, hitting a huge three-pointer late despite battling leg cramps, while fellow recruit Reyne Smith added vital perimeter scoring.

The Taipans looked to have the game won when they led by six with less than 30 seconds remaining, but Sydney nearly conjured a miracle comeback. A steal from Matthew Dellavedova set up a Kouat Noi triple, and on the next possession, Noi drew a charge on Admiral Schofield. That gave the Kings a golden chance to tie, but Noi turned the ball over before missing a last-gasp three-point attempt as the Taipans held on.

It was a valuable victory for Adam Forde’s side, backing up their gritty home win over Brisbane on Friday. After opening the season with a heavy 37-point defeat to South East Melbourne, the Snakes now sit at 2–1, showing resilience and growing chemistry despite Andrews only joining midweek.

Andrews finished with 16 points and seven assists in 27 minutes, twice fighting through cramps to provide key baskets. Smith matched him with 16 points, hitting four triples, while Schofield added seven points and six rebounds.

Sydney’s inefficiency cost them dearly. Kendric Davis top-scored with 21 points, but hit just 9-of-27 shots and was 1-of-7 from long range. As a team, the Kings shot 37 per cent overall and a miserable 4-of-28 from deep, wasting their 15–4 offensive rebounding advantage and 22 extra shot attempts. Tim Soares chipped in with 12 points and six boards, Dellavedova contributed 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, while Noi finished with eight points and nine rebounds.

The game ebbed and flowed. Cairns jumped to a 15–6 lead behind McVeigh and Smith, holding a 22–18 edge at quarter-time. Davis kept the Kings afloat, scoring 15 first-half points to spark a 27–18 second quarter that gave Sydney momentum at the break. But the Taipans hit back, taking advantage of Sydney’s poor perimeter shooting to win the third 21–13.

The final term was a dogfight. With scores locked at 71–71, Andrews drilled a contested three over Dellavedova, and McVeigh nailed a fadeaway to put Cairns in front for good. Sydney’s late surge nearly stole it, but Cairns’ composure under pressure secured the narrow victory.

The Taipans will host the Adelaide 36ers on Thursday night to open Round 3, while the Kings remain in Sydney to face the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday.

Final score: Cairns Taipans 77 defeated Sydney Kings 74.