Tyson 'Walks' talk in backcourt battle with Davis

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Michigan State point guard Tyson Walker dropped on career-high 27 points on the vaunted Sydney Kings backcourt to lead Melbourne United to its fourth straight win to start the NBL26 season.

United (4-0) was simply too good for the Kings (1-2), on their home floor, winning 107-93 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

"It’s big-time," Walker said.

"Just knowing my game translated from college to professional — it’s always a good feeling.

"The coaches back me, they tell me to keep scoring the ball. Can’t ask for much more.

"It’s a physical league, so just adapting to that and playing off my teammates.

"They do a good job of getting me open, getting me in the right spots, passing the ball. I feel like we move the ball really well, so it’s always easy when guys are rooting for you to score — even when you’re not thinking about it."

Walker, 25, went head-to-head with All-NBL First Team point guard Kendric Davis. Walker was an efficient 9-from-15 (60%) from the field while Davis scored 21 points on a less-than-efficient 5-from-18 (23%). Walker added four boards and four assists but did have four turnovers.

"(When) you’re playing against an elite guard — you want to outperform," Walker said.

"Just working my hardest on defense, me and Dash (Daniels) took turns trying to slow him down.

"Feel like we did a pretty good job — holding him to 18 is pretty good for him.

"So just trying to work hard on defense and let the offense come."

Key Details

• Result: Melbourne United 107 def. Sydney Kings 93
• When: 8th October 2025
• Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Tyson Walker (Melbourne United) starred with 27 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 32 minutes.
• Xavier Cooks (Sydney Kings) scored 21 points, and had nine rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in 31 minutes.

What Happened

Melbourne United claimed a commanding 107-93 road win against the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena in front of 9,528 fans. United started strong, taking a 29-25 lead after the first quarter. Sydney fought back in the second period, outscoring Melbourne 27-21 to take a slim 52-50 halftime advantage. However, the visitors seized control after the break.

The third quarter proved decisive as United exploded for 31 points while holding the Kings to just 19. This 12-point swing turned Sydney's two-point halftime lead into a Melbourne 10-point advantage heading into the final frame. United maintained their momentum in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Kings 26-22 to secure the 14-point victory.

Tyson Walker was outstanding for Melbourne, scoring 27 points on efficient 9-from-15 shooting, including an impressive 5-from-9 from beyond the arc. Jesse Edwards dominated inside with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Milton Doyle contributed 16 points and six assists in a balanced United attack.

For Sydney, Xavier Cooks and Kendric Davis each tallied 21 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome United's superior shooting and rebounding. Cooks was particularly efficient, connecting on 10-from-14 field goal attempts and adding four blocks, while team captain Matthew Dellavedova added 12 points and seven assists.

Melbourne's shooting efficiency made the difference, as they hit 50.7% from the field (35-from-69) compared to Sydney's 46.8% (36-from-77). United was especially deadly from three-point range, connecting on 15-from-32 attempts (46.9%) while the Kings managed just 9-from-25 (36%). Melbourne also dominated the glass, out-rebounding Sydney 47-39, with Edwards leading the way with 12 boards.