Adelaide, Australia – The Adelaide 36ers face a critical Game 2 of the NBL Championship Series tonight against the Sydney Kings, seeking to avoid falling into a potentially insurmountable 2-0 series deficit. Following a dominant performance by the Kings in Game 1, the 36ers are aiming to respond on their home court and level the series. The game carries added weight for Adelaide, coming after a week of internal challenges, including reports of friction between head coach Mike Wells and key player Dejan Vasiljevic.
The Kings demonstrated their championship mettle in the series opener, securing a decisive victory. Still, the 36ers showed early promise in the first half of Game 2, briefly extending their lead to seven points before the Kings adjusted their defensive strategy to limit Adelaide’s three-point shooting. The series, and the broader 2025-26 NBL Playoffs, are available to watch live with ESPN on Kayo Sports, with new subscribers able to access their first month for $1. Join Kayo Sports here.
Kings’ Davis and Craig Lead the Charge
Sydney’s offensive attack has been spearheaded by Kendric Davis and Torrey Craig, who combined for 29 points in the first half of Game 2. Craig, in particular, has been impactful, contributing 17 points, seven rebounds, and a crucial block against Bryce Cotton. The Kings’ ability to control the perimeter and capitalize on inside opportunities will be key to their success. Davis’s performance is particularly noteworthy as he continues to establish himself as a central figure in the Kings’ championship aspirations.
For Adelaide, John Jenkins has provided a spark off the bench, registering eight early points. However, the 36ers will need a more consistent offensive output from their core players, including Cotton and Vasiljevic, who have combined for 23 points so far. The team’s three-point shooting, which carried them through portions of the first half, will need to be sustained, and they’ll need to find ways to counter Brian Goorjian’s expected adjustments in the third quarter.
Internal Challenges for the 36ers
The lead-up to Game 2 has been marked by off-court drama for the Adelaide 36ers. Reports surfaced alleging a disagreement between coach Mike Wells and guard Dejan Vasiljevic, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging series. Fox Sports Australia detailed the reported clash, highlighting the internal pressures facing the team. Adding to the turmoil, 36ers owner Grant Kelley publicly responded to reports of unrest within the organization, according to a report from Fox Sports. The 36ers will be looking to put these distractions aside and focus on their performance on the court.
Game 1 Recap: Kings Dominate
The Sydney Kings established a commanding lead in the series with a decisive victory in Game 1. Fox Sports provided live updates and highlights from the game, showcasing the Kings’ comprehensive performance. Kendric Davis and Bryce Cotton were key contributors for their respective teams, but the Kings’ overall team effort proved too strong for the 36ers. The 36ers struggled to find offensive rhythm and were hampered by defensive lapses, resulting in a significant point differential.
How to Watch Game 2
Fans can follow all the action of Game 2 of the NBL Championship Series live on Kayo Sports with ESPN. The game is similarly available through the official NBL Australia website and app. For those seeking real-time updates and statistics, the Fox Sports Match Centre provides a comprehensive overview of the game, including live scores, stats, and play-by-play commentary.
Game 2 Start Time: [Time to be updated as game time approaches – check Kayo Sports or NBL Australia for the most accurate schedule]
Where to Watch: Kayo Sports (ESPN), NBL Australia website/app
Looking Ahead
The outcome of Game 2 will significantly shape the trajectory of the NBL Championship Series. A victory for the Kings would put them on the brink of claiming the title, whereas a win for the 36ers would revitalize their championship hopes and shift the momentum back to Adelaide. Game 3 is scheduled to return to Sydney, providing the Kings with another home-court advantage. The series continues with Game 3 on [Date and Time to be confirmed – check NBL Australia for schedule updates].
What are your predictions for Game 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow basketball fans.
