Adelaide 36ers and their coach under pressure as Cotton holds key to saving series — NBL Talking Pts

If Game One of the NBL Championship Series taught us anything, it’s to expect the unexpected.

The Sydney Kings now hold a 1-0 lead over the Adelaide 36ers, but with the series shifting to Adelaide, can the 36ers regroup or will the Kings put themselves on the brink of a sweep ahead of Sunday’s clash?

After being shut down superbly in Game One, can Bryce Cotton respond and lead Adelaide back into the series? And will his supporting cast deliver the big plays needed and stay out of foul trouble when it matters most?

Watch live coverage of NBL and WNBL 2025-26 seasons with ESPN on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Or will the Kings, led by Kendric Davis, once again be able to get what they want, when they want, and keep the 36ers under control?

With Game Two set for Friday night, we break down all the biggest news and storylines in the latest edition of NBL Talking Points.

BRYCE COTTON MUST BOUNCE BACK

It’s been the defining question around Bryce Cotton for years and once again, it was front and centre on Saturday night.

Does he have enough help to win a championship? And if he’s taken out of the game, can the rest of Adelaide stand up?

In Game One, the Sydney Kings answered that emphatically.

Cotton was held to just 10 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals, shooting 33 per cent from the field and 20 per cent from three in a rare off night.

The Kings’ defence, led by Matthew Dellavedova, Torrey Craig and Jaylin Galloway, threw size, physicality and constant pressure at the MVP. It forced Cotton into an uncharacteristic four turnovers in 32 minutes and never allowed him to find rhythm.

That physicality didn’t go unnoticed.

Commentating the game, Derek Rucker noted Cotton had been “hit in the face two or three times already”, highlighting just how aggressive the Kings’ approach was.

The tone was set early. On one of the opening possessions, Dellavedova caught Cotton across the face on a back cut, forcing the MVP to regroup as Mike Wells immediately approached officials for clarification.

For a player averaging 26.2 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals on 44 per cent shooting this season, it was a stark contrast and part of a growing trend.

Cotton has struggled against the Kings this season and now the response becomes everything.

The responsibility falls on Wells and his coaching staff to adjust – whether that’s through rotations, spacing or play design – to free Cotton up for cleaner looks.

But just as importantly, Adelaide’s supporting cast must step up.

Because if Game One proved anything, it’s this: if Cotton is contained, the 36ers can be controlled.

36ERS NEED MORE SUPPORT

Cotton has carried the Adelaide 36ers for much of the season – but in Game One, he was left without the support he’s relied on.

Throughout the semi-final series against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, Adelaide had multiple contributors step up to ease the burden. If they’re to get back into this series, those same players must deliver again.

Nick Rakocevic was dominant against the Phoenix, recording three straight double-doubles, but in Game One he was limited by foul trouble and unable to have the same impact, finishing with 10 points, five rebounds and one assist.

Dejan Vasiljevic, another key piece in Adelaide’s semi-final push, also struggled. He managed just five points, one rebound and two assists, shooting 20 per cent from the field and 20 per cent from three – a significant drop-off for a player whose spacing is critical when he’s firing.

Zylan Cheatham, typically a consistent presence, was also below his best with five points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals, while John Jenkins added eight points and two assists but again couldn’t fully relieve the scoring pressure off Cotton.

With Cotton heavily targeted defensively and little support around him, the Kings were able to maintain constant pressure and dictate the flow of the game.

That can’t happen again.

If Adelaide can get strong contributions from even two of those key players, it changes everything – easing the load on Cotton and allowing him to play his natural game without facing constant double and triple teams.

THE COMING OF KENDRIC DAVIS

Kendric Davis has quickly established himself as one of the NBL’s premier players and on the biggest stage, he delivered.

In his maiden NBL Grand Final appearance, the runner-up MVP produced a statement performance, finishing with 25 points and seven assists in the Kings’ dominant Game One win.

It was the latest step in a season of growth.

Davis has continued to evolve both on and off the court, with his focus firmly locked on one goal – an NBL championship. And after Game One, that intent couldn’t be clearer.

The disappointment of falling short in the MVP race has only sharpened that edge. His attention has shifted completely to team success and he’s leading that charge.

What makes Davis so dangerous is his control of the game.

His ability to involve teammates like Tim Soares, Torrey Craig and Xavier Cooks, while knowing exactly when to take over, has been a defining feature of the Kings’ season. He can orchestrate, defer and then explode – whether it’s to close out a game or swing momentum back in Sydney’s favour.

Now, the stage is set.

Up against Bryce Cotton – widely regarded as the modern NBL GOAT – Davis has the opportunity to lead the Kings to a championship and elevate his standing even further.

PRESSURE BUILDING ON 36ERS

It’s been a remarkable season for the Adelaide 36ers – but despite finishing second on the ladder, the pressure surrounding the club has been building all year.

From the Montrezl Harrell saga before the season began, to the ongoing scrutiny of head coach Mike Wells and the tension involving Andrew Bogut, the noise has never truly gone away.

Recent reporting from CODE Sports around the locker room has only added to that, while Fox Sports Australia can also reveal 36ers owner Grant Kelley has explored the possibility of selling the club after shopping it around in the offseason.

The pressure is real and it’s only intensifying.

There is a growing sense that if Adelaide falls short of a championship, serious questions will be asked. Wells’ future could come under immediate scrutiny and the club may be forced into another major reset.

That’s what makes this moment so pivotal.

On the court, the 36ers are well placed. A strong core is set to return for NBL27 and the foundation – led by six-time MVP Bryce Cotton – is clearly there.

But off the court, the instability continues to linger and until that changes, the questions won’t stop.

If the club were to be sold, it would present an intriguing opportunity for a new owner – a team with talent, a passionate fan base and a roster capable of contending.

But first, there’s a championship to play for.