Sydney Kings Finish Strong to Overrun New Zealand Breakers in Round 8

The Sydney Kings left it late but produced a composed final quarter to defeat the New Zealand Breakers 79–72 at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday.

Sydney trailed at every break and looked out of sorts for long stretches, but their small-ball lineup and late defensive pressure turned the game. They closed with a 27–18 final quarter to secure a seven-point win in their last home appearance before a long road stretch.

With centre Tim Soares under the weather, the Kings relied on Xavier Cooks, Kouat Noi and Jaylin Galloway to hold the frontcourt. It paid off.

Cooks continued his strong season with 21 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, although six turnovers hurt his efficiency. Noi added 12 points despite 3-of-14 shooting and hit all four of his free throws. Galloway’s impact was subtle but important, with Sydney +11 during his minutes.

The final push was led by Kendric Davis, who finished with 21 points, six assists and four rebounds while shooting 4-of-8 from deep. He controlled the tempo late, delivering key plays on both ends.

Sydney edged ahead 72–70 inside the last two minutes and then locked in defensively. Cooks’ dunk stretched the margin, and Davis’ late free throws sealed the result.

The Breakers’ 21 turnovers proved costly, including Sam Mennenga’s over-and-back violation inside the final four seconds.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright again carried New Zealand with 23 points, seven assists and four triples. Mennenga added 15 points and five rebounds, Rob Baker II chipped in nine points and two steals, and Karim Lopez provided eight points and eight boards.

Izaiah Brockington, who had been in great form, struggled to a 3-of-13 shooting night.

New Zealand dominated early, shooting 11-of-19 in the first term to lead 25–17 and pushing the margin to 13 early in the second. Davis dragged Sydney back into it with a pull-up three that levelled scores at 37, but the Breakers steadied to lead 41–39 at half-time.

Jackson-Cartwright opened and closed the third quarter with scoring bursts as New Zealand held a 54–52 edge heading into the final period. But Sydney’s defensive intensity and Davis’ late shot-making flipped the game.

Both teams now begin extended road stretches. Sydney heads to Wollongong next Sunday to face the Illawarra Hawks, while New Zealand continues their marathon away run with match-ups against the Brisbane Bullets on Wednesday and the Perth Wildcats on Saturday.

Final score: Sydney Kings 79 defeated New Zealand Breakers 72.