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Sydney Kings Thrash Hawks, End Rivalry Curse in Wollongong
-Sydney’s 27-Point Masterclass Ends Illawarra’s Six-Game Dominance
Sydney 16 November,2025
WOLLONGONG, NSW – The Sydney Kings emphatically ended their losing streak against arch-rivals the Illawarra Hawks on Sunday, delivering a 98-71 demolition at the WIN Entertainment Centre. While it was not a comeback victory in the traditional sense—the Kings led from the opening whistle—it was a powerful statement that served as a “comeback” for the Kings in the heated Freeway Series, snapping a six-game skid against Hawks Coach Justin Tatum.
Despite missing Boomers star Matthew Dellavedova and veteran Shaun Bruce, Sydney looked focused from the tip-off, establishing an early rhythm and suffocating Illawarra’s offence. Coach Brian Goorjian orchestrated a defensive masterclass that held the defending champions to their lowest-scoring half of the season, taking a commanding 53-32 lead into the main break. The Hawks’ massive turnover tally, which finished at 26 for the match, was a testament to the Kings’ intensity.
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Kings Stifle Third Quarter Rally
The only moment the Kings’ dominance was truly challenged came early in the third quarter when the Hawks showed a flicker of life. Illawarra went on a quick 9-0 run, fueled by the home crowd and a momentary lapse from Sydney, cutting the Kings’ 21-point halftime lead down to just 12.
But this was the moment Sydney’s resolve shone through. Goorjian quickly called a timeout, and the team responded immediately with a defining run of their own. They re-established their defensive clamps and offensive flow, completely nullifying the Hawks’ attempted comeback and extending the lead back out to 21 points by the end of the term (71-50).
Illawarra’s woes were compounded early in the final quarter when three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee fouled out with just nine points to his name, crushing any final hope of a true Hawks rally.
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Davis, Robertson Lead Balanced Attack
The victory was truly a team effort, highlighting the depth of the Kings’ roster. Kendric Davis stepped up to lead the scoring with 17 points and eight assists.
Perhaps the most impactful performance, however, came from Tyler Robertson, who shone in Dellavedova’s absence, hitting four critical three-pointers en route to 14 points. Xavier Cooks filled the stat sheet with 13 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Bul Kuol contributed 12 points and five steals on a night where every Kings player bought into the defensive strategy.
The 27-point thrashing marks four straight wins for the Sydney Kings, restoring the club’s bragging rights and sending a powerful message to the rest of the NBL that they are building serious momentum as they head into a busy month of road games.
