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Cooks back to MVP form as Kings build streak
Xavier Cooks of the Kings celebrates as Sam Mennenga of the Breakers looks dejected during the round eight NBL match between Sydney Kings and New Zealand Breakers at Qudos Bank Arena, on November 09, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Matt King/Getty Images
Highlights
A Xavier Cooks and Kendric Davis clinic sparked a Sydney comeback over the Breakers
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Sydney Kings defeated New Zealand Breakers 79-72 at Qudos Bank Arena behind a dominant 14-point, 14-rebound double-double from Xavier Cooks, which helped the home team overcome a 13-point deficit.
Key Details
- Result: Sydney Kings 79 def. New Zealand Breakers 72
- When: November 9, 2025
- Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
- Standings: Sydney Kings | New Zealand Breakers
By the Numbers
- Xavier Cooks (Sydney Kings) starred with 21 points, 14 rebounds and four assists in 31 minutes.
- Parker Jackson-Cartwright (New Zealand Breakers) scored 23 points, had three rebounds, seven assists and one steal in 32 minutes.
What Happened
The Breakers controlled the early proceedings, taking a commanding 25-17 lead in the first quarter behind Parker Jackson-Cartwright's efficient shooting. They maintained their advantage through most of the second quarter, though Sydney managed to trim the deficit to 41-39 by halftime after outscoring New Zealand 22-16.
The third quarter saw both teams locked in a defensive battle, scoring 13 points each as neither side could gain separation.
Sydney's defensive pressure began paying dividends, forcing the Breakers into difficult shots and creating turnovers that kept them within striking distance.
Sydney's decisive push came in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Breakers 27-18 to complete their comeback.
The Kings went on an eight-point run midway through the final period that shifted momentum permanently in their favour. Despite holding the lead for just four minutes and 44 seconds of the entire game, Sydney's timing proved perfect.
The Kings' frontcourt duo delivered when it mattered most. Xavier Cooks dominated inside with 21 points on 60 percent shooting (9-from-15) while securing 14 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. His presence was matched by Kendric Davis, who also scored 21 points, including a sharp 4-from-8 from beyond the arc and an impressive 7-from-8 from the free-throw line.
New Zealand's offensive efficiency suffered from 21 turnovers compared to Sydney's 19, with the Kings capitalising on these extra possessions. Despite the Breakers shooting slightly better from the field (41.8 percent vs 41.2 percent) and from three-point range (32 percent vs 27.6 percent), Sydney's advantage at the free-throw line proved critical.
The Kings converted 15-from-20 attempts from the charity stripe while the Breakers managed just 7-from-11, a differential that ultimately reflected the final margin.
The result marks three consecutive wins for the Kings as they rise all the way into fourth spot.
