"This is what I do": Cotton's MVP statement

The NBL26 MVP race is one of the hottest the competition has ever had, with Adelaide’s Bryce Cotton and Sydney’s Kendric Davis duking it out for the award.

Over the past few weeks, the latter has been gaining momentum for the Andrew Gaze Trophy after guiding the Kings to 10-straight wins.

But five-time MVP Cotton reminded everyone of his standing in the game with a heroic performance against New Zealand on Saturday, to the tune of 42 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

How much the moment meant to the three-time champion was evident with his late-game emotions.

"When Bryce came over to the score bench, [after] hitting the three-point dagger through the hearts of the Breakers, he screamed 'this is what I do'," NBL commentator Derek Rucker said on Monday’s episode of Moments That Mattered, presented by Mitsubishi Motors.

“It was a great TV moment, great theatrics and it was one of those heat-of-the-moment situations that stays with you.”

That Round 21 victory for the 36ers is one Rucker said Cotton’s side needed, ahead of the fast-approaching post-season.

“Adelaide had been on the road and needed a convincing win, but they had to scrap instead,” Rucker said.

“Bryce, who looked fresh, carried them.

“This win may be a better team-building one than a blowout.

“They have huge games ahead, and with Bryce in that form, they can win any game.”

Cotton and his Sixers travel to Perth on Friday to battle his former side, the Wildcats, from 9.30pm AEDT on Friday, live on ESPN.