New Bullet Adams draws first blood on Kings

The import trio of the Brisbane Bullets inspired a huge second half including Jaylen Adams against his former team as they beat the Sydney Kings 100-92 at the CODE Sports NBL Blitz in Canberra.

The Kings started on fire even without Kendric Davis and Bul Kuol in the line-up putting up 28 points to 18 in the first quarter before then still being in control leading 49-42 by half-time at the AIS Arena.

The game underwent a dramatic transformation in the second half including the Bullets putting up 31 points in the third quarter even without Alex Ducas and Tyrell Harrison.

It was their trio of imports who made the difference with Adams enjoying the chance to get that first up win against a Kings team he played with last season, and previously won an MVP and championship with.

Brisbane turned that 10-point half-time deficit into a 14-point lead during the second half on the way to the eventual eight-point win to begin the defence of the Loggins-Bruton Cup at the Blitz.

Adams finished with 18 points and six assists while knocking down 4/6 from three-point territory while fellow new Bullets arrival Javon Freeman-Liberty again impressed. He delivered 27 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Then there was Casey Prather who is showing no signs that he can't at the very least match his remarkable NBL25 rejuvenated campaign. He put up 16 points and four steals with 3/6 from three-point territory.

Tohi Smith-Milner stood tall once more with nine points, six rebounds and two steals with Callum Dalton providing 10 points and five boards, and the returning Sam McDaniel seven points, six rebounds and two assists.

It might have been a first up loss at the Blitz for the Kings, but it will be decidedly different once Kendric Davis joins that back court, and with Bul Kuol's presence.

Tim Soares is a championship winner with the Kings and looks ready for a significant impact upon return after putting up 22 points and four rebounds on 9/10 shooting from the field in just under 21 minutes.

Keli Leaulepe was sorely missed in the back end of NBL25 and had 14 points, two rebounds and two assists with Xavier Cooks adding 11 points, nine boards and three assists, Shaun Bruce seven points and three rebounds, Tyler Robertson nine points, and Makuach Maluach seven points and three boards.

Then there was gun signing Matthew Dellavedova who had seven points, 10 assists and four rebounds in 26 minutes.

The Bullets will back up to take on Melbourne United to wrap up their Blitz in the first game on Saturday night before the Kings take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix first up on Sunday afternoon.

CODE SPORTS NBL BLITZ 2025/26

BRISBANE BULLETS 100 (Freeman-Liberty 27, Adams 18, Prather 16)

SYDNEY KINGS 92 (Soares 22, Leaupepe 14, Cooks 12)

BOX SCORE