"He continues to reinvent himself": Rucker praises six-time champ

The Sydney Kings have secured numerous memorable wins during the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season, despite dealing with a range of adversity.

Before the season even tipped off, the Kings lost big men Keli Leaupepe and Jason Spurgin to long term injuries.

But Brian Goorjian's side didn't let that stand in the way of them establishing themselves as the top defensive team in the competition, despite missing stars Matthew Dellavedova and Bul Kuol for a handful of games.

Just when it looked like the Harbour City side were becoming one of the teams to beat during the 2025-26 season, they were handed another body blow, with Kuol sustaining a season ending ACL injury.

The very next game, inspiration captain Xavier Cooks injured his ankle, which, unfortunately for Goorjian's side, was followed by a concussion to star guard Dellavedova.

Despite all this, the Kings ground out a gutsy 97-94 win over Melbourne United at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday.

The importance of the Round 16 win wasn't lost on six time champion Goorjian, with emotions overflowing after the full time siren.

"It was raw emotion after the game and there was so much running through me because I was so proud of where our guys went, especially after we lost Delly," Goorjian said on Sunday's post game press conference.

"The whole thing was next man up and guts [shown by our team]. You look at the two guys we lost before the season and now we're without two marquees and our big investment.

"There's still an incredible belief in this group [and that was on full display on Sunday]."

This passion by Goorjian didn't go unnoticed, with former MVP Derek Rucker comparing the six time Coach of the Year's energy to what he brought to the sidelines in the 1990s.

"He was full of passion, [because you could see how much] the win meant to him," Rucker said on Monday's episode of Moments That Mattered, presented by Mitsubishi Motors.

"At 73 years old, he's showing incredible energy. It's like we've gone back 30 years into a time capsule. This is Brian Goorjian at his Eastside Spectres best, at his Southeast Melbourne Magic best.

"He continues to reinvent himself and evolve as a coach. That was an undermanned victory, but they have the best defence in the competition. There's a lot of noise about South East Melbourne, but I think the Sydney Kings are a significantly better defensive team than the Phoenix."

All these injuries haven't slowed the Kings, who have won eight of their past 10 fixtures, behind contributions by Kendric Davis, Tim Soares, Makuach Maluach, Kouat Noi and Jaylin Galloway.

"They're getting great contributions from role players. Kouat Noi is finding ways to contribute, he's been really good," Rucker said.

"We're [also] seeing the superstardom of Kendric Davis in full flourish. He's taken over that team, dominating the basketball without being overbearing or taking too much away from others.

"Makuach Maluach is playing really well, while FIBA Galloway came to play on Sunday with a different mindset.

"[Before Sunday] I'm sure the coaching staff has been saying that part of his struggles have been due to his shot selection. His shooting percentages haven't been great, around 32 to 33 per cent from three, and not efficient overall.

"[But on Sunday] he only took one isolation shot, which he knocked down and it stimulated his belief. These are the looks he should be seeking: get it back, then create; don't force the first look all the time.

"He gets action in transition thanks to their defence. His 27 points when they really needed it, was so valuable."

Sydney next plays Brisbane on Thursday at Perth's HoopsFest, from 9.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.