Sydney Kings surged to a 122‑104 victory over the Illawarra Hawks, extending their winning streak to six games and securing a top‑two ladder position for the first time this season. The dominant performance featured 24 points from Jaylen Adams, 19 from Cameron Gliddon, and a bench contribution of 38 points, highlighting the team’s depth and momentum.
Dominant Display
From the opening tip‑off the Kings controlled the game. Guard‑forward Jaylen Adams sparked the offense with a barrage of three‑pointers, finishing with 24 points on 9‑of‑14 shooting. Veteran forward Cameron Gliddon added 19 points and 7 assists, while the bench supplied 38 points, underscoring the depth of Brian Goorjian’s system.
Key Statistics
- Kings shooting efficiency: ~55%
- Hawks shooting efficiency: <40%
- Kings bench points: 38
- Kings record after win: 14‑5
Six‑Game Surge Fuels Top Two Spot
Early‑season injuries left the Kings in the middle of the ladder, but a pivotal 98‑94 win over Brisbane in January ignited a confidence boost. The subsequent six‑game streak, highlighted by a defensive shutdown of Bryce Cotton (12 points) against Adelaide, propelled Sydney into second place—its highest standing since the 2022‑23 campaign.
Home‑Court Advantage Boosts Kings
Coach Goorjian praised the atmosphere at the State Basketball Centre, noting that the 7,500‑strong crowd creates an “NBA‑like” energy that fuels the players. Attendance has risen 22% since the season began, coinciding with a perfect 5‑0 record in the last five home games.
Playoff Implications and Next Challenges
The win places Sydney just one game behind league‑leading Melbourne United, reshaping the February schedule into must‑win matchups. The Kings next face the defensively disciplined Perth Wildcats on February 3, a test of whether their high‑octane offense can sustain its efficiency. Meanwhile, the Hawks must regroup against the Cairns Taipans to stay in playoff contention.
Bottom Line
The 122‑104 demolition of the Illawarra Hawks marks a watershed moment for the Sydney Kings. Veteran leadership, emerging talent, and a fervent home crowd have turned a season of uncertainty into a genuine title chase. As the NBL race tightens, all eyes will be on Sydney to see if they can convert this momentum into a championship banner.
