Power shift? United star stakes his claim

Billed as must-watch TV, Sunday’s showdown between Kendric Davis and Cole Anthony delivered, just not how many expected, with the Melbourne United superstar outgunning the reigning Championship Series MVP.

“Massive performance, and this is what we’ve been calling for,” Brad Rosen said of Anthony on NBL Now, presented by CODE Sports.

“I was on the show a couple of weeks ago and I said, look, this guy, once he gets going in this League, he’s going to be unbelievable.”

He’s going now. The former Orlando Magic guard produced his best game yet in the NBL, piling up 30 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists.

Davis, meanwhile, never found his rhythm. One of the season’s most anticipated matchups turned into a night to forget for the Kings star, who managed just 12 points on 3-of-16 shooting.

“Now if it’s KD’s League, well, Cole Anthony certainly changed the locks on Sunday,” Rosen said.

“There’s no question about that.

“One bad night doesn’t change what KD has done in this League. But Cole, what he showed… look, he is just a standout.”

There’s no time for Davis to dwell on it. Sydney’s brutal road trip rolls on to Perth, then to Tasmania to face the ladder-leading JackJumpers.

Wednesday night’s Ignite Cup fixture between Perth and Sydney tips off at 9.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.