'We can beat anybody, anywhere' declares Wells

• Adelaide 36ers (12-13) jump to sixth on NBL Ladder
• Sydney Kings (16-11) drop to fourth
• Jaylen Adams delivers career high 43 points in nine point loss

Adelaide 36ers stunned the Sydney Kings with a 105-96 victory at Qudos Bank Arena, catapulting themselves into sixth place on the NBL ladder in round 18 of NBL25, in a clash that felt like an early playoff preview.

The Sixers weathered a storm from Kings' star Jaylen Adams, who poured in a career-high 43 points, to secure their second statement win in Sydney this season.

Adams' 24-point first-half explosion gave Sydney a narrow 55-52 lead at the break. However, Adelaide flipped the script after halftime, outscoring the Kings 53-41 in the final two quarters. The Sixers' surge was spearheaded by a 14-0 run to open the third quarter, establishing the game's first double-digit lead.

Kendric Davis continued his stellar form for Adelaide, orchestrating the offence with 30 points, six assists, and five rebounds.

The point guard battle between Davis and Adams was a spectacle in itself, with both players showcasing their elite scoring and playmaking abilities.

Adelaide's frontcourt duo of Montrezl Harrell (23 points, 11 rebounds) and Isaac Humphries (19 points, nine rebounds, four blocks) dominated the paint, helping the Sixers outscore Sydney 60-42 inside.

The victory was particularly significant for Adelaide's playoff aspirations, as they leapfrogged the Tasmania JackJumpers to claim the sixth and final playoff spot.

"We're finally healthy, finally getting together," Adelaide coach Mike Wells said.

"We're not a sixth seed; I think we can beat anybody, anywhere at this point."

For the Kings, the loss saw them slip from second to fourth on the ladder with a 16-11 record.

Despite the setback, Sydney coach Brian Goorjian remained optimistic.

"We've played two of the toughest teams. There are four teams that can win this thing, to me... We're going to make playoffs.

"On to the next one."

The 36ers' DJ Vasiljevic, who had been struggling with his shot, found his rhythm at a crucial moment. After going 0-for-2 from beyond the arc in the first three quarters, Vasiljevic knocked down two quick triples in the fourth to help seal the victory. His 12 points, along with Sunday Dech's 13, provided vital support to Adelaide's leading scorers.

Looking ahead, both teams face critical matchups that could shape the final playoff picture. The Kings have a week to regroup before hosting the Perth Wildcats in a clash that could determine top-two seeding. Adelaide, riding the momentum of this win, have a quick turnaround as they return home to face the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday.

As the regular season winds down, this victory not only bolsters Adelaide's playoff chances but also serves notice to the rest of the league that they are peaking at the right time. With their health intact and confidence soaring, the 36ers have transformed from playoff hopefuls to potential title contenders in the span of a single, emphatic road win.