Former King DJ's string music spins Sydney out

• Former King Dejan Vasiljevic had 25 points to lead Adelaide to a 95-88 win
• Jaylen Adams was the standout for Sydney with 30 points
• Adelaide will face South East Melbourne on Sunday to face Illawarra in the semi-finals

Adelaide 36ers sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic came back to haunt his old team, putting on a clinic from long range to lead his team to a 95-88 (Game Centre) win in the elimination play-in game at Qudos Bank Arena to end the season for the Sydney Kings.

Vasiljevic hit 7-from-11 from the three-point line as the 36ers progress to take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday and also keep the career of veteran Jason Cadee alive after he announced his retirement earlier in the week.

Vasiljevic played a key role in the Kings NBL championship run in NBL22. He averaged 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in 31 games that season.

The home team was without suspended Xavier Cooks after the Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) notified him of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) and a potential violation of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy (ANADP). Cooks was given a "mandatory provisional suspension, effective immediately" on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

It was a crushing blow to the Kings NBL25 championship aspirations as Cook was named to the All-NBL Second Team the night before at the NBL25 Awards.

Adelaide started strong, leading 23-22 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to a commanding 51-41 halftime lead, with their offensive efficiency on full display as Vasiljevic's hot shooting from beyond the arc proved too much for the Kings' defence.

However, Sydney mounted a fierce comeback in the third quarter, outscoring Adelaide 30-18 to take a narrow 71-69 lead into the final period as Jaylen Adams orchestrated the Kings' resurgence, showcasing his playmaking ability with pinpoint passes and timely buckets.

The fourth quarter saw Adelaide regain control, with Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell making key plays down the stretch and a crucial three-pointer from Vasiljevic with 2:30 remaining pushing the 36ers' lead to seven points, effectively sealing the victory.

Vasiljevic's outstanding performance was the cornerstone of Adelaide's victory, finishing with a game-high 25 points and supported by Kendric Davis' all-around contribution of 24 points, six assists, and five rebounds.

For Sydney, Jaylen Adams had 30 points and 10 assists but his nine turnovers proved costly. Cameron Oliver provided strong interior presence with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks but it wasn't enough to overcome Adelaide's balanced attack.

The 36ers' superior three-point shooting was a key factor in the win, connecting on 13-from-33 attempts (39.4%) compared to Sydney's 8-31 (25.8%).

Adelaide will travel to Melbourne to take on the Phoenix at John Cain Arena on Sunday with fourth spot and a match-up with the Illawarra Hawks on the line.