The Adelaide 36ers defeated the Sydney Kings 85-79 in a gritty, defensive battle on January 2, 2026. In a clash between two top teams, Adelaide's resilience at home earned them a hard-fought six-point victory over the league leaders. The match was a low-scoring affair defined by physical defense, with neither team able to establish a significant lead until the final minutes. Adelaide made critical stops down the stretch and converted key free throws to seal the win against a formidable Sydney side. The head-to-head duel between the teams' defensive specialists was a fascinating focus point, setting the tone for the entire contest. This result was a significant upset that tightened the race at the top of the NBL table, proving the 36ers could compete with the very best.