Davis Leads Kings to Dominant Win Over Breakers

The Sydney Kings have kick-started their NBL26 winning campaign in emphatic style, overpowering the New Zealand Breakers 97–75 at Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday night.

After a scrappy opening half from both sides, the Kings exploded after the main break, pouring in 31 third-quarter points while holding the Breakers to just 18 to seize control of the contest. By the final buzzer, the margin had swelled to 22 as Sydney’s offence finally found rhythm and their defence stifled an out-of-sync Breakers lineup that remains winless at 0–4.

Kendric Davis, last season’s MVP runner-up, was the difference. The American guard followed a wasteful 21-point debut on 27 shots last week with a far more clinical display, finishing with 28 points and four assists on 11-of-17 shooting. Davis was composed, efficient, and relentless, dictating pace and providing the spark that the Kings had been missing.

Tim Soares backed him up with 16 points, eight rebounds, and a pair of blocks while knocking down two three-pointers. Jaylin Galloway added 11 points, Kouat Noi chipped in 10, and veteran Shaun Bruce celebrated his 350th NBL appearance with six points and four rebounds. Matthew Dellavedova didn’t score, but his fingerprints were all over the result, producing seven assists and six boards while anchoring the Kings’ defensive organisation.

Sydney shot 51 per cent from the field, moved the ball with purpose for 19 assists, and committed just seven turnovers. In contrast, New Zealand continued to misfire. The Breakers managed only 41 per cent shooting overall and a woeful 6-of-32 from beyond the arc, a trend that has haunted them through the opening fortnight.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright tried to keep his side in it with 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Rob Baker II had 15 points and two steals. Sam Mennenga fought hard for a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, adding three assists and two steals. But the rest of the team failed to fire, with Izaiah Brockington limited to eight points as his early-season struggles continued.

Davis set the tone early, scoring 10 of his points in the opening quarter to push Sydney ahead 22–15. From there, the Kings gradually built momentum. New Zealand trimmed the margin to five at half-time, but Sydney’s third-quarter eruption settled the outcome. Davis and Noi were at the heart of it, combining for crucial baskets in transition as the Kings surged to a 70–52 lead at the last change.

Mennenga’s powerful dunk over Soares provided a rare highlight for the Breakers in the fourth quarter, but Sydney’s composure never wavered. They controlled the tempo, rotated freely, and continued to capitalize on the visitors’ missed shots and turnovers.

The victory improves the Kings to 1–1 and lifts pressure off coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah after a faltering start. The performance was a timely reminder of the potential within this group — anchored by Davis’ explosiveness, Soares’ inside presence, and Dellavedova’s leadership.

Sydney now prepares for a blockbuster midweek test against undefeated Melbourne United at Qudos Bank Arena, their third straight home game to open the season. The Breakers, still chasing a first win, return to Spark Arena to host the Illawarra Hawks on Wednesday.

Final score: Sydney Kings 97 defeated New Zealand Breakers 75.