How to watch & talking points: SE Melbourne v Sydney

Thursday, October 23, 2025

South East Melbourne face Sydney in a crucial Round 6 test as both teams aim to build consistency and momentum under their respective coaches.

South East Melbourne Phoenix v Sydney Kings
Thursday, October 23, 7.30pm AEDT
John Cain Arena

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Talking points

King’s plan
Many believed Josh King was going to implement a strong defensive strategy against Bryce Cotton last week, however he didn’t and the Phoenix were blown out.

Now they take on a Sydney team that is led by Kendric Davis, who has been planning a lone hand in helping lead this Kings team to some wins. What do the Phoenix have planned to limit his production?

Cooks’ troubles
Xavier Cooks has been productive without being spectacular to begin the season, which should be a positive for the Kings to know how much better they can get.

While he’s been very effective on both ends, his troubles at the free-throw line are hurting him, shooting just 25 per cent to begin the season. Can he get to the line early and build confidence or does he try and avoid getting there at all?

What they're saying

Josh King on South East Melbourne's big win over Illawarra:‍
"We won all four quarters and that was my favourite part of the game, that we stayed consistent for four quarters and didn't have any slippage or let-up."

"My assistant Adam Gibson said to me 'One sunny day doesn't make it Summer', and we have to figure out who we want to be and who we are.

"It's great that we had this game tonight and it's a fun style to play, but we have to prove that we can stack multiple games together."

Brian Goorjian on Sydney's victory over Perth:
"I thought tonight was a situation that was of the utmost importance to get some things going at home.

"We don't have a big team, but we're long and we're athletic and if we aren't in the lanes disrupting, attacking the offensive glass, moving at place ... then we're not going to go anywhere.

"Where we were tonight was where we need to be to be competitive with the other teams. That's our blueprint."