Davis and Noi record double-doubles as shorthanded Kings prevail over Bullets

Written by Lachlan Sherriff

(James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Coming off a win against Melbourne United, the Sydney Kings travelled over to Perth for their HoopsFest game against the Brisbane Bullets.

The Kings would’ve felt confident coming in against a Bullets team who had lost their last five games, but they’d still have to win shorthanded, as Matthew Dellavedova (concussion) was added to Sydney’s injury list which already featured the likes of Xavier Cooks and Bul Kuol.

Surprisingly, Brisbane got off to a dream start, taking a 9-0 lead thanks to threes from Alex Ducas, Terry Taylor and Hunter Maldonado. Sydney would recover quickly and lead 29-23 at quarter time, but it was perhaps closer than many expected.

Throughout the second quarter, the Kings began to expand the lead, in large parts thanks to Kouat Noi, who had seventeen points at half time, and Kendric Davis, who had twelve points and six assists while shooting a perfect 5-5 from the field.

Alex Ducas and Hunter Maldonado were doing their best to keep it close, with twelve and eleven points respectively, but it was clear they’d have to do more to overturn the 52-41 scoreline in Sydney’s favour.

Unfortunately for Brisbane, the game began to slip through their fingers, with Sydney going on an 18-3 run late in the third quarter to basically put the game to bed. Tyler Robertson starred for the Kings in the third, with seven points to bring his match total to fifteen, as Sydney’s lead extended to seventeen points.

(James Worsfold/Getty Images)

The Bullets scored the first six points of the fourth quarter, but it ultimately didn’t mean much. Sydney won 95-80, handing Brisbane their sixth straight loss.

Kouat Noi led the way with a 24-point double-double, while a late assist from Kendric Davis also gave him his own double double, ending with 23 points and ten assists.

Tyler Robertson also stepped up for the shorthanded Kings, with seventeen points and eight rebounds. And he’s excited to keep this going in Sydney’s next three games back at Qudos Bank Arena.

"I think that our last home game we had the biggest attendance that we've had all year. It was like 12,500 and it felt like more than that. And our fans have been instrumental. We haven't been a great team at home the last probably 18 months. But I think that we've kind of found some form at home. And so hopefully at the end of the day, you want to be in the top two. You want to have home games in the playoffs. And I think that for us to make it that far, we've got to be able to win home games. So we're looking forward to it a lot."

- Tyler Robertson on returning home to Sydney

The Bullets got twenty points out of Hunter Maldonado, while Alex Ducas had fourteen points and six rebounds. Despite this only being Ducas’ first season of NBL, he’s already embracing the responsibility of being a leader in the Bullets’ locker room.

"I consider myself a leader in this group. I don't really view age as compared to a leader. I think anyone can be a leader no matter how old you are. And even though it's my first season in the NBL, I think I came in with the mindset to share my knowledge that I've had in my short career. And when it's my turn to step up and take some shots, I will. The main part is I get so much confidence from (coach Darryl McDonald) and my teammates to keep shooting. I haven't had the best shooting in the past few games and season, if that. But the message is always keep shooting and we always trust in you. So that gives me confidence to go out there and shoot the ball and help any way I can."

- Alex Ducas on being a leader

Sydney return home to take on Tasmania in their next game, while Brisbane travel out to Victoria to play Melbourne United.