Kings overpower Wildcats despite Goorjian’s Ejection

Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian didn’t make it to the final buzzer — but his players made sure his night ended in a statement win.

The six-time NBL champion was ejected in the third quarter after two quick technical fouls, yet the Kings barely blinked, overpowering the Perth Wildcats 94–72 at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday night.

Goorjian’s first tech came after a heated reaction to a call, before a second — reportedly for language — saw him tossed with 1:22 left in the third. At that point, Sydney led 69–61. Assistants Andrew Bogut and Billy Tomlinson shared the clipboard for the remainder as the Kings closed the game with composure and fire.

Moments later, tensions spiked again when Matthew Dellavedova was denied a charge call due to a clock error. His response? A clutch jumper to end the quarter, pushing the Kings toward their third win of the season.

It was the response Sydney needed after a flat loss to Tasmania earlier in the week. Kendric Davis led the charge with 25 points, six rebounds and five steals in a dynamic all-around display. Xavier Cooks added 16 points, eight boards and four assists, while Dellavedova contributed 15 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Tim Soares chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds, and Jaylin Galloway added nine as the Kings improved to 3–3. Free-throw shooting remains a concern — Sydney went 22-of-36 compared to Perth’s near-perfect 15-of-16 — but the energy and ball movement returned in force.

For Perth, it was another tough night at the end of a turbulent week. After parting ways with import Mason Jones and losing Dylan Windler to an ankle injury before halftime, the Wildcats ran out of bodies and answers.

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (17 points, seven rebounds) and Kristian Doolittle (14 points, 10 boards) worked hard inside, while young gun Jaron Rillie — son of coach John — impressed again with 16 points and three assists on 4-of-7 shooting from deep. But the Wildcats couldn’t match Sydney’s second-half surge.

The Kings overturned a sluggish start — trailing 22–15 after one — with a 35-point second quarter to seize control by halftime. From there, they never looked back, blowing the margin out as Perth’s foul trouble mounted.

Perth stay on the road to face the Cairns Taipans in the Ignite Cup on Wednesday, while Sydney visit South East Melbourne on Thursday before hosting Tasmania next Sunday.

Final score: Sydney Kings 94 defeated Perth Wildcats 72.