Game Five of the NBL Championship is just around the corner. And with the title on the line, the Finals MVP race is wide open.
Standout performances have come from both sides across the first four games, making this one of the tougher calls in recent seasons.
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Last year’s result still lingers. Matthew Dellavedova claimed the award while at United, then famously handed it to Will Hickey, with many feeling the Hawks guard had done enough to earn it himself.
For context, the NBL uses a five-person voting panel. After each game, votes are awarded on a 3-2-1 system, then tallied at the end of the series to decide the winner.
2025 Finals MVP voting results
Matthew Dellavedova – 34 votes
Will Hickey – 31 votes
Tyler Harvey – 17 votes
Fox Sports Australia has now put together its votes for the opening four games of this season’s Championship Series, setting the stage for a tight finish heading into Game Five.
GAME ONE: SYD 112 – 68 ADE
Kendric Davis – 3 votes
25 PTS | 1 REB | 7 AST | 1 STL | 8-16 FG (50%) | +38
The result was all but decided by half-time, but the runner-up MVP still made his mark. In just under 30 minutes, Davis controlled the game and put together a sharp, efficient performance in a 44-point win. The three votes feel spot on.
Tim Soares – 2 votes
22 PTS | 8 REB | 3 AST | 8-10 FG (80%) | +27
The 2023 NBL champion continues to build on a strong second season. In Game One, he was a reliable force alongside Davis, anchoring the offence with elite efficiency. There’s a case for top votes, but two is still a fair reward for a high-level outing.
Jaylin Galloway – 1 vote
15 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST | 1 BLK | 5-8 FG (62%) | +25
“FIBA Galloway” is showing up in a big way this series. The 23-year-old has been lights out from deep, hitting 15 of 25 across the first four games. In Game One, he backed that up with another efficient, well-rounded performance to earn a vote.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 21: Kendric Davis of the Kings brings the ball down court during game one of the NBL Grand Final series between Sydney Kings and Adelaide 36ers at Qudos Bank Arena, on March 21, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
GAME TWO: ADE 91 -89 SYD
Bryce Cotton – 3 votes28 PTS | 6 REB | 6 AST | 3 STL | 8-20 FG (40%) | +2
A performance that will be remembered for a long time. The reigning MVP sealed it with one of the best game-winners the league has seen, sparking a fiery moment with Kendric Davis. Strip away the drama and the impact still stands, Cotton owned this game when it mattered most. All three votes, no debate.
Xavier Cooks – 2 votes
18 PTS | 10 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK | 8-14 FG (57%) | +4
In defeat, Cooks was outstanding. A genuine two-way presence, he did a bit of everything and kept the Kings in the fight. He has been consistently strong all series, and this was another high-level showing. Two votes in a loss says plenty.
Flynn Cameron – 1 vote
17 PTS | 5 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 5-13 FG (38%) | +9
After a quiet lead-in to the series, the reigning Most Improved Player has found his rhythm. His growth from beyond the arc is clear, and his 17 points in Game Two came at important moments. A solid bounce-back performance, rewarded with a vote.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 01: Bryce Cotton of the 36ers. reacts during game four of the NBL Grand Final series between Adelaide 36ers and Sydney Kings at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on April 01, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
GAME THREE: SYD 106 – 93 ADE
Kendric Davis – 3 votes
34 PTS | 2 REB | 15 AST | 11-19 FG (57%) | +13
One of the finest performances seen in an NBL championship game. Davis was in complete control, dishing 15 assists without a single turnover and setting the tone from the opening tip. He led the Kings every step of the way in a dominant, composed display. If more votes were on offer, he’d have taken them too.
Xavier Cooks – 2 votes
18 PTS | 8 REB | 5 AST | 2 BLK | 8-12 FG (66%) | +15
Another hugely efficient outing from Cooks. He continues to impact both ends, blending scoring, playmaking, and defence with ease. His ability to run the floor alongside Davis stands out, and this marks back-to-back two-vote performances. He is right in the mix as a finals MVP contender.
Bryce Cotton – 1 vote
15 PTS | 3 REB | 12 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 5-15 FG (33%) | -7
Even in defeat, Cotton adjusted well. Closely checked by Matthew Dellavedova, he shifted focus to creating for others and kept the offence moving. His 12 assists carried real weight in the context of the game, earning him a vote despite the result.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 01: Kendric Davis of the Sydney Kings competes with Nick Rakocevic of the 36ers during game four of the NBL Grand Final series between Adelaide 36ers and Sydney Kings at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on April 01, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
GAME FOUR: ADE 92 – 91 SYD
Zylan Cheatham – 3 votes
23 PTS | 8 REB | 9 AST | 10-17 FG (58%) | +9
The league’s leading rebounder delivered when it mattered most. With outside noise calling for more aggression, Cheatham answered in style, producing a near-flawless all-round performance to lead the 36ers to a crucial Game Four win. When he gets involved offensively, the impact is clear, Adelaide now sit at 6–1 when he takes 12 or more shots.
Bryce Cotton – 2 votes
19 PTS | 5 REB | 12 AST | 8-22 FG (36%) | +1
It wasn’t his most efficient scoring night, largely due to Sydney’s defensive pressure, but Cotton still found a way to shape the game. His 12 assists underline his growth as a playmaker, while his late free throws proved decisive in putting the 36ers ahead for good. The reigning MVP keeps himself firmly in the finals MVP conversation.
Kendric Davis – 1 vote
22 PTS | 4 REB | 10 AST | 8-16 FG (50%) | -4
A more measured outing from Davis following the intensity of Game Two. He looked controlled, at times almost restrained, but still produced a strong double-double. Even without the usual spark, he remained productive and influential, earning his place among the votes in defeat.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 01: Zylan Cheatham of the 36ers celebrates two during game four of the NBL Grand Final series between Adelaide 36ers and Sydney Kings at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on April 01, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
TOTAL VOTES LEADERBOARD
Kendric Davis – 7 votes
25.5 PPG | 2.7 RPG | 9.5 APG | 45.4% FG
Bryce Cotton – 6 votes
18.0 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 9.2 APG | 35.7% FG
Xavier Cooks – 4 votes
15.2 PPG | 6.7 RPG | 2.5 APG | 2.0 BPG | 74.7% FG
Zylan Cheatham – 3 votes
13.0 PPG | 8.2 RPG | 5.0 APG | 1.7 SPG | 74.7% FG
Tim Soares – 2 votes
13.0 PPG | 7.7 RPG | 1.7 APG | 1.2 BPG | 62.8% FG
Jaylin Galloway – 1 vote
15.0 PPG | 1.5 RPG | 1.5 APG | 59.2% FG
Flynn Cameron – 1 vote
10.5 PPG | 4.0 RPG | 2.7 APG | 37.7% FG
Game Five now looms as the decider for the Finals MVP. With the race so tight, one standout performance from a handful of contenders could be enough to tip the scales and secure the award.
The series returns on Sunday, April 5 at 2:30pm, with everything on the line at Qudos Bank Arena.