The NBL table topping Sydney Kings won an exciting high-scoring match at the Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday, defeating the South East Melbourne Phoenix 111 to 106. 

Each side had a chance to take the lead multiple times throughout the game, which was closely contested. However, the Kings led in all quarters during the game but had to fight off a late surge from the Phoenix in order to take the win. 

From the first quarter, the game was so exciting as both teams started to score from the beginning. But it was the Kings who secured a 3-points lead at the end of the half 28-25.

The high-scoring continued into the second period, with both teams putting everything into the game to take the lead. A strong performance from the Sydney allowed them to increase their lead to five points over the visiting Phoenix. At the end of the second quarter, the scoreline was 56-51.

The third half was an example of an incredible offensive display between the two teams. Both teams played significantly well trading the lead. The Phoenix eventually took the lead but couldn’t keep up with ladder-leaders.

Both teams were in a position to win the game after the third quarter, which ended with a score of 84-78. 

In the fourth and final quarter, the spectators were treated to the game’s best plays. In fact, with quick buckets from Mitch Creek and Trey Kell, the South East Melbourne Phoenix found themselves again 1 point ahead with a tie with 1:12 remaining.

However, not for long as the Phoenix failed to hold the lead. Despite being their best player of the game, Kell missed two 3-pointers when his team needed it most. Both Creek and Gary Browne tried but failed to convert crucial two crucial three-pointers.

This caused them to be unprepared for the late surge of Sydney’s Derrick Walton and Jordan Hunter. Eventually, Melbourne lost the game with a scoreline of 111-106 and was 5 points short.

Dejan Vasiljevic (21 points) and Walton (22 points, 5 assists) both played well for the Kings, while captain Xavier Cooks (16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) recorded the first triple-double of the season since Josh Giddey in May 2021.

On the other hand, Creek (16 points, 9 rebounds), Kell (18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists), and Alan Williams (12 points, 12 assists) ran the show for SEM.