Sydney Kings continued their strong scoring form with a 110-99 victory over South East Melbourne Phoenix in National Basketball League action on 8 November 2026. The Kings’ balanced attack and third-quarter separation proved decisive.

Match overview

The game was an up-tempo affair from the start, with both teams comfortable playing in transition. Sydney Kings shared the ball well and found open shooters, while South East Melbourne Phoenix stayed close through aggressive drives and three-point shooting. The first half was high-scoring, with the Kings taking a narrow lead into the break.

The third quarter was where Sydney took control. The Kings tightened their defense, forced turnovers, and converted them into quick points. A sustained run gave them a double-digit cushion, and although the Phoenix made a late push in the fourth, Sydney had enough offensive firepower to hold them off. The Kings managed the clock well in the final minutes and made key free throws to secure the win.

Key moments

• Second-quarter scoring burst: Sydney used a 12-2 run to build an early advantage and force the Phoenix into a timeout.
• Third-quarter separation: The Kings opened the second half with a 14-4 surge, creating the game’s biggest lead.
• Phoenix response: South East Melbourne cut the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter behind timely three-point shooting.
• Closing run: Sydney answered with a decisive 8-0 run and controlled the final two minutes to seal the result.

Tactical story

Sydney Kings won this game with their inside-out offense and transition execution. They attacked the paint, drew help defenders, and kicked out to open shooters. Their ball movement was sharp, and they consistently made the extra pass against a Phoenix defense that struggled to rotate quickly enough.

South East Melbourne Phoenix had success when they played with pace and attacked the basket. Their guards created opportunities off the dribble, and their three-point shooting kept them within striking distance. However, defensive lapses in the third quarter proved costly. The Phoenix also struggled to contain Sydney’s bench, which provided timely scoring and energy.

Standout performers

Sydney Kings showed why they are one of the league’s most dangerous offensive teams. Their backcourt controlled the tempo and made good decisions in pick-and-roll situations, while the frontcourt finished efficiently around the rim. The bench contributed important minutes, helping Sydney maintain its intensity on both ends.

For South East Melbourne Phoenix, there were encouraging signs offensively, particularly from their perimeter shooters. But the team’s defense was unable to get enough stops during Sydney’s decisive runs. They will need to improve their rotations and defensive rebounding in the next game.

League impact

The win keeps Sydney Kings in strong position in the NBL standings and reinforces their reputation as a high-scoring contender. For South East Melbourne Phoenix, the loss is a missed opportunity on the road, though their fourth-quarter fight showed character. Sydney’s ability to answer every Phoenix run was the difference, and it could prove important as the season progresses.