# Sydney Kings NBL season start > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sydney-kings-nbl-season-start > Updated: 2026-10-22T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3. The Sydney Kings began their NBL title defence with a 111-90 victory over the Cairns Taipans at Afterpay Arena. Last season’s grand final MVP, Kendric Davis, led the team with 26 points and six assists, while Xavier Cooks contributed 18 points. Despite an early lead by the Taipans, the Kings established control by halftime. The Kings extended their winning streak with a 121-100 win against the Illawarra Hawks, marking their second consecutive 21-point victory. Kendric Davis scored 31 points in the matchup, which also served as the 600th career NBL win for head coach Brian Goorjian. Makuach Maluach and Torrey Craig also contributed significant scoring in the win. In a subsequent New South Wales derby at the WIN Entertainment Centre, the Kings secured a 108-82 victory over the Hawks. This matchup featured a breakout performance from import big man Andrew Carr, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 20 rebounds, alongside 23 points and 14 assists from Davis. Following the loss, Hawks coach Justin Tatum noted his team struggled with turnovers and excessive ‘iso ball’ against the Kings’ defensive intensity. The Hawks are currently seeking to fill an import spot following the early departure of Darius Days. ## Claims - The Sydney Kings defeated the Illawarra Hawks 121-100. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Kendric Davis scored 31 points, recorded six assists, and four rebounds. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Makuach Maluach scored 19 points on 6-for-6 shooting. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Torrey Craig scored 20 points. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Sydney Kings have a 2-0 record to start the NBL27 season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Illawarra Hawks have lost three consecutive games to start the season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Sam Froling scored 21 points in his 200th game. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Head coach Brian Goorjian achieved his 600th NBL career win. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-22: Sydney Kings defeat Illawarra Hawks in NBL derby The Sydney Kings defeated the Illawarra Hawks 108-82 in an NBL derby, led by Andrew Carr's 20-rebound performance. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sydney-kings-defeat-illawarra-hawks-in-nbl-derby ### 2026-09-27: Sydney Kings defeat Illawarra Hawks 121-100 in NBL27 The Sydney Kings defeated the Illawarra Hawks 121-100 to remain undefeated in the NBL27 season, led by Kendric Davis's 31 points and coach Brian Goorjian's 600th career win. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sydney-kings-defeat-illawarra-hawks-121-100-in-nbl27 ### 2026-09-19: Sydney Kings defeat Cairns Taipans to start NBL title defence The Sydney Kings began their NBL title defence with a 111-90 win over the Cairns Taipans, led by Kendric Davis's 26 points. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sydney-kings-defeat-cairns-taipans-to-start-nbl-title-defence --- Cite as: Sydney Kings NBL season start. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sydney-kings-nbl-season-start