Soares above the rest

In many ways, Tim Soares is living out a basketball dream. As his confidence grows, so too does the opportunity to help the Sydney Kings chase a second NBL championship, this time while testing himself against elite opposition like JaVale McGee.

Already a title winner from his first stint with the Kings, the Brazilian-American centre is enjoying NBL26 even more. A big reason is the calibre of opponents he now faces as the starting centre in a roster built on athleticism, length and versatility. That challenge was front and centre on Thursday night, where Soares relished the matchup against three-time NBA champion and Olympic gold medallist McGee.

The Kings made it six straight wins with a commanding 122–104 victory over the Illawarra Hawks, climbing to second on the ladder with five games remaining. Soares was outstanding, delivering one of his best performances of the season.

With the plan focused on pulling McGee away from the rim, Soares knocked down 5-of-9 from beyond the arc and finished 9-of-14 from the field. He ended the night with 23 points and six rebounds, while the Kings were +34 during his 28 minutes and 26 seconds on court.

Soares embraced the challenge and credited the collective effort behind the win.

"Our game plan was just to kinda wear him (McGee) down you know through the possessions, and kind of bump him throughout it because he's a great player and it's just cool for me where I'm from and where I've been in my basketball career to be able to play against somebody like that," Soares said.

"I looked forward to it and I think we did a good job as a team too of just covering that and I think overall we executed the game plan, and that's what kinda got us the advantage there."

Soares is loving the way the Kings are playing right now, at a ferocious pace built off relentless defensive pressure. That intensity fuels their transition game, where they are playing faster than anyone in the league.

When he signed on to return, Soares bought into what coach Brian Goorjian was selling: build the culture first, then let the talent take over once the foundations were set.

That approach has paid off. The arrival of Matthew Dellavedova was pivotal, with the four-time Olympian and NBA champion bringing leadership and standards. Kendric Davis has exceeded expectations as both a player and leader, while the late addition of Torrey Craig has pushed the group to another level.

Now, the Sydney Kings are firing on all cylinders. They are the hottest team in the NBL, riding a six-game winning streak and claiming 12 of their past 14 to sit second at 19–9, closing fast on the ladder-leading Adelaide 36ers (20–7).

Soares understands the opportunity in front of them given the way the Kings are playing, and believes the belief has been there all along.

"I think we've always had that mentality and have always known that if we play together, and play the right way we could get to those places," Soares said.

"Obviously with how the games are going now and everyone's playing, and the different records and stuff, now it's a reality for us (to finish top two) and everyone is ready to capitalise on that."

That mindset carries into Sunday’s trip to Cairns and through the final five games of the regular season. As Soares put it simply, that is the intention from here on out.