IT WAS just about over before it had really begun as the Christmas Day NBL special clash between Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks ended up in a blowout in favour of the former at Qudos Bank Arena, 108-84.

Sydney Kings (108) def. Illawarra Hawks (84)

The Kings are on a red-hot run at the moment, having won five on the trot and nine of their past 11 since starting the 2025/26 season slowly. Super coach Brian Goorjian has his team humming, and the return of superstar Xavier Cooks has certainly been a blessing with the big man putting up 12 points – shooting nine of 11 from the field – and also recording six rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block in a comprehensive 24-point victory over the Hawks.

There were no signs of overdoing the eggnog at Christmas lunch for the home side as the Kings put the foot down from from the opening tip-off, piling on 34 points to 19 in the opening quarter, and by half-time, had a commanding 62-41 lead. It was pleasing for the home fans at Qudos Bank Arena, which saw almost 8000 spectators pack the stands on the biggest holiday in the Christian calendar.

While Cooks was the star, he was well supported by Kendric Davis who piled on a game-high 27 points, shooting three of six from long-range and also nailing eight of nine from the charity stripe. Davis claim agonsingly close to a double-double (nine assists) and also contributed with four defensive boards too.

While the Hawks did well off the boards (47-40), the Kings doubled Illawarra’s assist count (30-15), with Sydney’s offence well and truly humming. Matthew Dellavedova set up Cooks and Davis with five assists, while the likes of Tim Soares (eight points, seven rebounds and three assists) and Kouat Noi (18 points, three rebounds and two assists) were prominent.

The result was tough on the Hawks, whose hopes of making the playoffs are growing slimmer by the day. The biggest positive was the return of Sam Froling who was arguably his side’s best, coming back from his Achilles injury sustained in last year’s NBL Finals and managing a double-double in his season debut, picking up 13 points and 12 rebounds.

On the shooting front, JaVale McGee (20 points, six rebounds) and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (15 points, two assists) tried hard, while QJ Peterson chipped in with an all-round 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. It would not be enough though, as the Hawks slumped to 6-13 on the season, three wins off the last Play-In Spots.

Illawarra will need to dust itself off ahead of a home New Years Eve contest against Tasmania JackJumpers, with Sydney facing the Bullets at home the night before on December 30.