'They're the best team in the competition right now'

With just four rounds remaining until the Hungry Jack's NBL26 Finals officially tip off, numerous teams are really starting to find their groove.

One is the winners of three straight games, the South East Melbourne Phoenix, while the other is the Sydney Kings, who chalked up their fifth victory on the bounce on Sunday.

That win came against league-leading Adelaide, in front of the fifth-largest crowd in NBL history, and marked the third time in four meetings the Kings had beaten the 36ers.

That, along with their impressive form on both ends of the court, has seen the 1990 NBL MVP Derek Rucker sing the praises of the Harbour City outfit.

“Sydney are the best team in the competition right now,” Rucker said on Monday’s episode of Moments That Mattered, presented by Mitsubishi Motors.

“Defensively they are excellent and do not gamble or reach. They are a different defensive team than South East Melbourne.

“Sydney’s defensive rating is now first (108.4). South East Melbourne has dropped to fourth. They are getting loose, and Sydney has the slight advantage as the hottest team.”

As well as their defence, which only concedes 86.7 points per game, a big part of Sydney’s strong run has been the play of MVP contender Kendric Davis.

The American point guard, who has had even more responsibility on his shoulders with the recent injuries to Xavier Cooks and Matthew Dellavedova, is averaging 23.5 points, 6.5 dimes and 3.8 rebounds per game.

“I still believe Bryce Cotton will win the MVP Award but Kendric Davis is remarkable,” Rucker said.

“He is outstanding, and it would not shock me if he wins MVP. His improvement from last season is huge.

“His defence yesterday on Cotton was excellent and will not get enough recognition.

“He is feisty, he seeks big moments, and he has transformed from an unlikable player last year into a charismatic leader. I always knew he had that in him, and it is great to see the public perception change.”

Another factor working in the Kings’ favour, according to Rucker, is the addition of NBA veteran Torrey Craig as they chase a sixth NBL championship.

In just his second game in the purple and gold, Craig had 26 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.

“Years of development and professionalism in the NBA have refined his game,” Rucker said.

“He is older but more efficient. His catch-and-shoot ability is now excellent.

“With Kendric Davis as primary handler and Xavier Cooks able to initiate from the four or five, Craig’s role becomes simple.

“Be efficient, hit semi-contested or open threes, and the rest opens up.

“He is not the athlete he once was, but he is smarter. He gets to the rim more efficiently.”

The 18-9 Kings next host reigning champions Illawarra on Thursday night from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.