Davis, 36ers make statement in Kings take-down

Adelaide import Kendric Davis has crashed Sydney’s party, starring in a nine-point statement road win that boosted his side’s NBL title credentials.

The electric guard (30 points, six assists, five rebounds) was unstoppable in what felt every bit a heavyweight duel on Friday with Kings star Jaylen Adams, who had a career-high 43 points to go with seven assists.

Davis had help from defensive cornerstone Isaac Humphries (19 points, nine rebounds, four blocks ) and a fired-up Montrezl Harrell (23 points, 11 rebounds), as the visitors locked down in the second half for a 105-96 victory.

The result dropped Sydney (16-11) from second to fourth and pushed Adelaide (12-13) inside the play-in bubble to sixth – marginally ahead of Tasmania on percentage – with Brisbane (11-15) a win further back.

Davis paced the 36ers in a fast-paced first half, with Dejan Vasiljevic (12 points on four-of-13 shooting) cool in his first game since making 10 three-pointers against Cairns.

The Kings rallied to briefly lead, with Xavier Cooks (12 points, nine rebounds, four assists) making an impact and Adams hitting a deep fade-away triple on the halftime buzzer to ignite the Qudos Bank Arena crowd.

Defence took over in the third quarter. Humphries’ presence was telling and Davis was a constant threat with his speed and creativity around the rim.

Vasiljevic found range to fend off the Kings’ final flurry in a victory – a fifth from their last seven games – that showed they can be a threat if they make the post-season cut.

“We’re finally healthy, finally getting together,” 36er coach Mike Wells said.

“We’re not a sixth seed; I think we can beat anybody, anywhere at this point.

“It started with this guy (Humphries) right here; he was absolutely phenomenal.

“And he (Vasiljevic) contributed to this win in so many other ways. That’s part of the growth of this team.”

Kings coach Brian Goorjian credited Davis for disrupting his tweaked defensive plans that included using Alex Toohey sparingly and sitting Shaun Bruce.

“He made some plays and controlled the tempo of the game,” Goorjian said.

“It was really tough coverage.”

Goorjian said Sydney wouldn’t dwell on the defeat as they continue a run to the finals that includes clashes with third-placed Perth and ladder leaders Illawarra.

“We’ve played two of the toughest teams,” he said in reference also to Wednesday’s defeat of South East Melbourne.

“There are four teams that can win this thing, to me … Melbourne (too), but these four we’re playing down the back stretch.

“We’re going to make play-offs. On to the next one.”