A VINTAGE performance from Shaun Bruce helped spark the Sydney Kings to an impressive 26-point win over the Cairns Taipans in Round 4 of the National Basketball League (NBL) season at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday afternoon.

The Kings suffered a heavy loss at the hands of the Adelaide 36ers on Friday night, and slumped down the standings as a result. The importance of Sunday’s clash only grew, as the Kings looked to stay within striking distance of the top two.

Sydney was excellent against an in form Cairns outfit, jumping out to an early lead and never surrendering, winning all four quarters en route to a 99-73 victory to ensure its season remains on track.

The Kings were clearly given a massive boost by the performance of Bruce, who made every post a winner in his time coming off the bench.

Sydney Kings (99) def. Cairns Taipans (73)

Shaun Bruce – 21 points, four assists, one block

The veteran was electric in the win over the Taipans, making the most of his limited court time and helping the Kings get to a winning score with an efficient performance.

Despite seeing just under 15 minutes of court time, Bruce produced a career-best shooting performance, lighting up Qudos Bank Arena, particularly in the first half, where he helped the Kings storm out to a commanding lead.

The guard knocked down four three-pointers in the second quarter and five in the first half, finding his eye early and proving a lethal factor within the match. Although he has found a knack for knocking down big shots from behind the arc in the past, it was a lights out showing against the Taipans.

From the field, he shot 6/7, nailing all six of his long-range attempts in a near-perfect scoring performance from the veteran. He was given far too much time and space by the opposition defence, and made them pay accordingly.

He also dished out four assists for the match, making the right passes at the right time and getting involved in nearly every offensive possession when he was on the court, using his high basketball IQ to create good looks.

Bruce has been largely effective on the Kings with his veteran presence and basketball knowledge helping guide his younger teammates, but on Sunday, the guard truly got involved, and showed that despite being 33 years of age, he can still tear a match to shreds.