Starting 5: The key talking points from Round 9

The final buzzer has sounded on Round 9 and there is plenty of movement in the standings after seven exciting games of NBL action.

None were more exciting than Sunday's shootout in Adelaide, which saw five time MVP Bryce Cotton finish the win with a game-high 41 points, while Australian Boomer Jack McVeigh put up a season-high 39.

The NBL Media team looks at some key talking points from the round just gone.

1 – What can't Bryce do?

The exploits of Bryce Cotton continue to amaze NBL fans.

Across the weekend, Cotton powered the 36ers to a pair of big wins over Tasmania and Cairns.

In the latter's overtime classic, the three-time champion created more NBL history, becoming the first player in NBL history to record 40 points, 8 assists and 4 steals with 0 turnovers in any game.

Averaging a league-best 27.4 points a game, as well as career-highs in assists (6.5) and steals (2.5), Cotton is doing all he can to secure a sixth MVP trophy.

2 – Kings extend streak

Don't look now, the Sydney Kings have rattled off four straight wins.

That impressive run includes ending Melbourne's unbeaten start and smashing NSW rival, the Illawarra Hawks, in Sunday's fiery fixture - which they played without NBA champion, Matthew Dellavedova.

Superstar guard Kendric Davis, averaging 22.6 points a game (third best in the league), is playing at a MVP-type level, while former MVP Xavier Cooks has regained his mojo.

3 – Phoenix continue to rise

The South East Melbourne Phoenix rebounded from their Throwdown loss to Melbourne by recording a convincing win in Cairns.

The first half by Josh King's side, where they led the Taipans 64-39, highlighted how dangerous the Phoenix can be when they are firing on all cylinders.

But coach King, being the perfectionist he is, has called on a complete 40-minute performance from his side.

South East Melbourne have now won six of their past seven fixtures, solid their top-three spot on the ladder.

4 – Wildcats win out west

Heading into Saturday's clash, Perth had only won one of their four games at RAC Arena this season, a far cry from their usual imposing home record.

Behind a huge final quarter from Kristian Doolittle, who scored 15 of his 25 in the last 10 minutes, ensured that Perth improved that record against New Zealand.

Now with Dylan Windler back in their lineup and David Duke Jr settled in, it seems to all be coming together for John Rillie's side.

5 – The Island needs defending

Following Thursday’s loss to Adelaide, the Tasmania JackJumpers have suffered five straight losses.

And if not for a courageous comeback, capped by Nick Marshall’s game-winner, it could be seven defeats on the bounce for the NBL24 champions.

While they played well on the road, the JackJumpers have been uncharacteristically poor at home, losing six of their seven fixtures is Tasmania this season.

Admittedly, Scott Roth’s side is currently ravaged by injuries, including to captain Will Magnay, but they need to reverse this form soon or they will fall out of the finals race.

Thankfully the FIBA Break is nearing and the JackJumpers should have reinforcements back soon.