SYDNEY Kings might have started the 2025/26 NBL season a little shaky, but Brian Goorjian‘s troops are firing on all cylinders now. Heading into the new year, the Kings have six straight wins, the latest coming at home last night over an improving Brisbane Bullets outfit.

Sydney Kings (95) def. Brisbane Bullets (70)

Though the Bullets had broken through for a rare win two games back against the New Zealand Breakers and pushed Melbourne United in their most recent encounter, they were always going to be up against it when facing a Sydney side looking for half a dozen wins on the bounce. That proved to be the case on the penultimate day of 2025 at Qudos Bank Arena in front of almost 11,000 fans.

Spectators flocked to the venue to catch some quality basketball action and those in predominantly purple went home happy. A dominant first half saw the Kings pile on 51 points to 30 and open up a 21-point lead heading into the main break. By the final change it was 28 and clearly done and dusted before the Brisbane bit the bullet to grab some momentum late with heavy rotations in effect to go down by 25.

Across the stats the Kings dominated, shooting at 50 per cent from the field compared to the Bullets’ 34.9 per cent, while also having nine more rebounds (47-38), seven more assists (26-19) and four less turnovers (13-17). Their shooting from outside the arc was not as prolific with Brisbane’s long-range shooting ability actually somewhat keeping them a little closer with double the amount of triples (10-5) throughout the 40 minutes.

In just 20 minutes on court, former MVP Xavier Cooks picked up 20 points, five rebounds and four assists in the win, teaming up well with fellow MVP candidate Kendric Davis. Though Davis had an off night from a shooting perspective – just five of 16 from the field for 14 points – he still dished off seven assists, and had two rebounds and assists for his troubles.

The Kings shared the rock around in an even contribution with Tim Soares (14 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals), Makuach Maluach (11 points, three rebounds) and Kouat Noi (10 points, six rebounds) all hitting the double-digit points mark.

For the Bullets, Mitch Norton (15 points, six assists) caught the eye, working well with Tyrell Harrison (12 points, seven rebounds). Coming off the bench the likes of Sam McDaniel (18 points, four assists and two rebounds) and Tohi Smith-Milner (12 points, four rebounds) both drained four of seven from long-range, while Javon Freeman-Liberty hit just two of 11 from the field to finish with a frustrating four points, but also seven rebounds, three assists and a steal.

The result brings an end to Round 14, but Round 15 rolls straight on tonight. Though neither the Bullets nor the Kings are participating, both do so over the next couple of days with Brisbane back in action on the first day of 2026 tomorrow, hosting the Perth Wildcats at Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The Kings head to Adelaide to match up with the ladder-leading 36ers on Friday.