King Jaylen crowns stunning Q4 comeback

• Kings' stunning second half comeback halts Phoenix's winning streak
• Guard Jaylen Adams has 21 in fourth quarter
• Sydney moves into fourth on ladder on points differential

Sydney Kings superstar Jaylen Adams caught fire in the fourth quarter to lead the home side back from 13 points down to rolling over the top of the South East Melbourne Phoenix 110-101 (Game Centre) in the first NBL clash of Round 15 on January 2, 2025 at Qudos Bank Arena.

The Phoenix led by 18-points late in the third term, and by 13 at three quarter time, before the Kings exploded in the final period, outscoring the road team 38-16 across the last 10 minutes, which included a spectacular and-1 lob to Kings' NBL Next Star Alex Toohey to drive the home crowd into a frenzy.

Jaylen Adams was outstanding for Sydney, with 21 of his 32 points coming in the decisive fourth quarter. Toohey threw down numerous highlight reel dunks, while Xavier Cooks had a powerful 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Nathan Sobey (23 points) and Derrick Walton Jr (22 points, six rebounds) led the way for South East Melbourne.

The Kings, who had struggled to find their rhythm for much of the game, trailed 85-72 entering the fourth quarter. But led by the dynamic backcourt Adams, Sydney unleashed a blistering 22-4 run to seize control.

Adams finished with a game-high 32 points and nine assists, while Kouat Noi added 20 points off the bench, including four crucial three-pointers.

For much of the night, it appeared the Phoenix were primed for a fourth straight win. They built their lead behind the sharp shooting of Derrick Walton Jr (22 points) and Nathan Sobey (23 points), who combined for eight three-pointers.

But as the final period began, the Kings tightened their defence and found their offensive flow. Xavier Cooks, who finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, provided crucial interior presence on both ends.

The statistics tell the tale of Sydney's comeback. After shooting just 40% through three quarters, the Kings connected on 13-from-19 field goals (68%) in the fourth. They also dominated the glass in the final period, out-rebounding the Phoenix 14-5.

Perhaps most crucially, Sydney got to the free-throw line with regularity, hitting 17-of-18 attempts in the fourth quarter alone.

While Adams rightfully garnered much of the spotlight, Noi's performance off the bench proved pivotal. The veteran forward scored 15 of his 20 points in the second half.