Kings dunk on Cairns as Cadee reveals 'Ive dunked too'

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When basketball.com.au host and NBL colour commentator Jason Cadee is talking about his one and only career dunk midway through the fourth quarter ... the game is pretty much over.

And it was as the home team Sydney Kings, playing at Qudos Bank Arena since early November, demolishing the Cairns Taipans 119-77 in Round 13 of NBL26 on Sunday, December 21, 2025.

Of course, basketball.com.au immediately searched the archives for proof of the dunk and it is true ... aside from this disclaimer: "EDITORS NOTE: A special effects camera filter was used for this image."

Key Details

• NBL Box Score: Sydney Kings 119, Cairns Taipans 77 (Final)‍
• When: Sunday, December 21, 2025
• Where: Qudos Bank Arena – Sydney‍
• Attendance: 9,124
• Standings

This was a wire-to-wire demolition from the Sydney Kings, who delivered one of their most complete performances of the NBL26 season in a 42-point blowout of the Cairns Taipans at Qudos Bank Arena.

Sydney controlled the contest from the opening tip, racing to a five-point first-quarter lead before steadily widening the margin across every period. By halftime, the Kings were already in command at 57–41, and any hope of a Taipans response evaporated in a devastating third quarter where Sydney poured in 34 points to 19, blowing the game open beyond recovery.

The Kings led for 39 minutes and 47 seconds, never trailed, and pushed the margin out to a game-high 46 points, underlining the sheer dominance of their two-way execution. Their ball movement, shot quality, and defensive pressure consistently broke Cairns’ structure, forcing tough possessions and limiting transition opportunities.

Sydney shot an elite 56.9% from the field, knocked down 16 three-pointers at 42.1%, and generated 25 assists on 41 made field goals, a clear reflection of unselfish offence and strong spacing. Defensively, they forced 15 Cairns turnovers, converted live-ball stops into early offence, and held the Taipans to just 31.0% from three.

Cairns, by contrast, struggled to establish rhythm. Mojave King was held scoreless, and while Andrew Andrews and Kody Stattmann provided some resistance, the Taipans never found consistent scoring options or defensive answers once Sydney lifted the intensity.

Sydney Kings – Key Performers

Kendric Davis was electric in just 24 minutes, finishing with 21 points and 9 assists, repeatedly collapsing the defence and living at the free-throw line (11-of-12). His pace and control set the tone early.

Xavier Cooks was ruthlessly efficient, posting 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting, adding 6 rebounds, and impacting both ends with energy and versatility.

Tim Soares and Makuach Maluach anchored the interior, combining for 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while consistently protecting the rim and finishing inside.

Sydney’s depth was overwhelming:

• Tyler Robertson hit 3 threes on the way to 14 points.
• Shaun Bruce was perfect from the field (4-of-4) for 10 points.
• Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway, and Lueth Awan all made meaningful contributions as the bench extended the margin.

Cairns Taipans – Key Performers

Andrew Andrews led Cairns with 14 points and 9 assists, shouldering a heavy creation load under constant pressure.
Kody Stattmann added 14 points with perimeter shooting, while Jack McVeigh scored 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting but was unable to stem Sydney’s runs.

Cairns were out-rebounded, out-assisted, and outpaced, finishing with a –33 team worst plus-minus for Sam Waardenburg as Sydney repeatedly punished defensive breakdowns.

Team Stats Snapshot

Sydney Kings

• FG: 41–72 (56.9%)
• 3PT: 16–38 (42.1%)
• FT: 21–27 (77.8%)
• Rebounds: 41
• Assists: 25
• Turnovers: 8
• Steals / Blocks: 9 / 3

Cairns Taipans

• FG: 27–61 (44.3%)
• 3PT: 9–29 (31.0%)
• FT: 14–17 (82.4%)
• Rebounds: 27
• Assists: 20
• Turnovers: 15
• Steals / Blocks: 4 / 1

This was a statement performance from the Sydney Kings – ruthless, disciplined, and relentless across four quarters. With elite efficiency, depth scoring, and defensive consistency, Sydney looked every bit a championship-calibre unit, while Cairns were left searching for answers after being comprehensively outclassed in every phase of the game.