The NBL playoffs are heating up, bringing together the drama and excitement of world-class basketball as fans ride the wave of an incredibly engaging season. The 2024/25 Hungry Jack's NBL regular season wrapped up with significant milestones, including more than one million fans attending games, showcasing the growing popularity and reach of the league.
The season concluded with 50 sell-out games—a remarkable achievement reflecting the increasing interest and attendance from basketball enthusiasts. NBL CEO David Stevenson highlighted the league's growth, stating, "The NBL remains the fastest growing sporting league in Australia, and we couldn’t be happier with the increases we have seen in all areas this season." According to statistics, broadcast reach also soared over 30% across all platforms, indicating more eyeballs on the league than ever before.
One of the pivotal moments came when the Sydney Kings faced off against the Adelaide 36ers during the playoffs. The Kings, missing their captain Xavier Cooks due to a provisional suspension, faced adversity, trailing by as much as 16 points before attempting to make a fierce comeback. Spectators watched with bated breath as the Kings surged back to take the lead late in the game, only to see their efforts fall short.
The 36ers showcased their depth and experience, executing what seemed like near-flawless plays down the stretch to hold off the Kings, finishing with a score of 95-88. Standout players included Kendric Davis, who displayed remarkable prowess with 24 points, including eight points scored when it mattered most during the closing moments. Meanwhile, Jaylen Adams fought valiantly for the Kings, scoring 30 points and dishing out 10 assists, reflecting the fierce engagement of both sides.
The Kings, who had established themselves as formidable contenders with home-court advantages, struggled initially under playoffs pressure. They went cold early, posting just one basket from their first 12 shots. But then, just as it appeared the 36ers would run away with the game, they saw the Kings rally with a flurry of offense. Cam Oliver played a pivotal role for Sydney during the third quarter, igniting team momentum with significant rebounds and scoring plays.
The Kings proved gritty, showing the heart and resilience needed to claw back, but the 36ers' seasoned roster, led by players like Montrezl Harrell, remained composed under pressure. Harrell waved goodbye to Kings fans as the final whistle blew, knowing full well they had secured their place to fight the South East Melbourne Phoenix next for entry to the final four.
The NBL playoffs promise to continue serving up thrilling basketball action. With all six remaining teams eyeing the championship well within their grasp, expectations are high and competition is fierce. With more than one million fans thrilled to have witnessed the explosive action and competitive spirit on display, the league seems poised for continued growth.
Notably, the league has experienced the highest average points per game this season (93.0) since the 2008/09 season, alongside impressive shooting success, with average three-point percentages climbing to 35%, marking the best figures since the 2019/20 season. Such numbers demonstrate the rising skill levels and dynamism present throughout NBL games.
Transitioning to the next playoff fixtures, fans can anticipate high-stakes battles filled with gripping narrative arcs. Such engagement across matches culminates not just from the actions on the court, but also from enthusiastic fan interactions and which teams can sustain their performance during the playoffs where every point counts.
Conclusively, the NBL is positioned more than ever as the leading sports entertainment product market within Australia. With each playoff game, the intensity and stakes escalate, and all eyes are set on which team will be crowned this season's champion.