Thu Jan 01 09:50:00 UTC 2026: ## Sydney Kings on a Roll: Rival Coach Warns of Championship Potential

Sydney, Australia – The Sydney Kings are the hottest team in the NBL, riding a six-game winning streak that has propelled them into third place on the ladder. Their dominant 95-70 victory over the Brisbane Bullets on Tuesday night has further solidified their status as a genuine championship contender, with even opposing coaches taking notice.

“Right now, they are easily playing the best basketball in the league,” Bullets interim head coach Darryl McDonald admitted after the game. McDonald went on to say that the Kings have “all the pieces” to win the NBL championship.

The Kings’ recent surge has seen them win 10 of their last 12 games, including impressive victories over fellow contenders Perth Wildcats, Melbourne United, and the Adelaide 36ers. Xavier Cooks led the charge against the Bullets with 20 points, while Kendric Davis contributed 14 points and seven assists.

Head coach Brian Goorjian is pleased with the team’s progress, emphasizing the importance of a strong defensive foundation built over the past two seasons. “I like what’s going on, I like where we’re headed,” Goorjian said, highlighting the team’s growing understanding of how they can be good.

The Kings’ defensive prowess has been a key factor in their winning streak. They boast the league’s best defensive rating over the past six games, holding opponents to just 81.5 points per game and limiting them to a league-low 39.5 per cent shooting from the field.

“When our mentality is being the aggressor on defence, it completely changes the game,” said import Tim Soares, a member of the Kings’ 2023 championship team.

Goorjian also credited the players for taking ownership of the team’s direction. “While I introduced this, I’m not driving it anymore,” he said. “With all the players communicating and holding each other accountable, the pressure and intent they’re playing with is contagious.”

The Kings face a tough test next as they travel to Adelaide to take on the 36ers, a team they have defeated twice already this season. A win would extend their streak to seven and further close the gap on ladder leaders Melbourne United. With momentum building and confidence soaring, the Sydney Kings are proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the NBL.

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