The NBL Round 13 featured several exciting matchups, highlighted by the thrilling contest between the Sydney Kings and the New Zealand Breakers. The Kings showcased their resilience, clawing back from behind to secure a 92-84 victory at Spark Arena, Auckland.
Initially, the Breakers appeared set to end their six-game losing streak. They led by five points with just under three minutes remaining. But the Kings, riding on the hot hands of Kouat Noi, who finished with 26 points off the bench, stormed back, scoring 16 of the last 19 points. This late-game surge was pivotal, with Alex Toohey contributing 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Jaylen Adams proving instrumental with his 17 points, nine assists, and eight boards. Adams particularly shined during the clutch moments, scoring eight points during the Kings' decisive run.
After the game, Sydney coach Brian Goorjian reflected on his team's progress, saying, "Who knows what's going to happen from here, but we have positioned ourselves nicely." With this victory, the Kings improved their record to 11-7, marking their third consecutive win.
Conversely, the New Zealand Breakers exited the match feeling frustrated. Parker Jackson-Cartwright was impressive, leading the team with 25 points and eight assists, supported by teenager Karim Lopez, who added 18 points before succumbing to an ankle injury. Breakers coach Petteri Koponen lamented the missed opportunity, stating, "We lost our poise. We stopped sharing the ball, we lost patience. Small details at the end. But we gave them a fight. That's why this one hurts." This defeat underscored the struggles the team has faced this season, as they continue to seek the spark necessary to return to winning form.
Looking forward, the South East Melbourne Phoenix prepared to host the Adelaide 36ers. The Phoenix came off their third win in five games after defeating Melbourne United 109-97, with Montrezl Harrell shining after his return with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Meanwhile, the 36ers ended their own four-game losing streak by dominating the Breakers 111-94, which they hope will reinvigorate their season.
The upcoming match is set for December 21 at John Cain Arena, Melbourne, and is expected to attract significant attention as both teams look to build on their recent successes. The last time these two sides met, Adelaide triumphed 96-83, adding another layer of intrigue to this matchup.
Fans can catch the South East Melbourne vs. Adelaide game via live streaming on Kayo or through ESPN's coverage via Foxtel. This game marks yet another highlight of the NBL season, promising to deliver high-energy competition and thrilling basketball.
Overall, NBL Round 13 continued to provide action-packed games with moments of individual brilliance and team success, showcasing why basketball remains one of the most thrilling sports to watch across Australia.
