The Sydney Kings have survived a late scare to seal top spot on the NBL ladder with a 111-106 win over South East Melbourne Phoenix at Qudos Bank Arena.
After leading at every change on Sunday - and by as many as nine points in the fourth quarter - the Kings fell behind with little more than a minute to play before holding their nerve in the clutch.
Kings guards Derrick Walton Jr (22 points) and Dejan Vasiljevic (21) were outstanding, while captain Xavier Cooks (16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) produced the league's first triple-double since current NBA star Josh Giddey in May 2021.
But when Cooks fouled out with more than three minutes remaining, the Phoenix - led by Mitch Creek (29 points, nine rebounds) - pounced.
Creek's free throws with 1:15 left put his side in front but Sydney duly iced victory following a combination of Vasiljevic's strong drive, an offensive foul against Phoenix big man Alan Williams and successful free throws from Jordan Hunter and Walton.
The Phoenix, who have finished with a 15-13 record and clinging to sixth position, will be eagerly observing next week's final round of matches, hoping for results to go their way in games involving Perth, Tasmania and Melbourne.
Creek piloted an early 11-0 barrage to give the Phoenix the upper hand before the Kings responded with a 12-0 run of their own to lead 28-25 at quartertime.
Justin Simon threw down a ferocious slam over Creek in the second term as the Kings, despite some key plays from Phoenix's little-known development guard Owen Foxwell, pulled ahead.
Williams, scoreless and sparingly used in the first half, went to work in the post in the third stanza as the visitors momentarily pinched the lead.
Walton, Cooks and Vasiljevic responded and gave the Kings some breathing space again before SEM mounted one last rally which fell just short.
