BIO: Timothy Luiz Soares was born in Deming, Washington (USA) and attended Mount Baker High School in Deming. Playing for the school’s basketball team he averaged 16.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game during his senior year 2015/16. He was named All-Northwest Conference, despite playing with a bone chip in his shoulder.

FAMILY: Soares is the son of Rogerio and Susan Soares who were Christian missionaries. His siblings are Jessica, Stephanie (who was the 2020 NAIA Division I player of the year), Tiago, and Rebecca. His father played for The Master’s University men’s basketball from 1992 to 1995, and his mother was the national Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year as a high school senior in 1986, and then played at the University of Texas.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Tim Soares made his NBL debut with the Sydney Kings at 25 years of age. He scored six points in his first game.

After winning the 2021/22 championship, Sydney lost its star import trio of Jaylen Adams (to Belgrade), Jarell Martin (to Tel Aviv) and Ian Clark (overseas), while Makur Maker (to Washington) also left the team. With Xavier Cooks, Dejan Vasiljevic and Angus Glover retained, the Kings signed Derrick Walton Jr (via Detroit) to replace Adams, former Defensive Player of the Year Justin Simon (via Illawarra) and Tim Soares (via Europe) as their new import trio. Kouat Noi (via Cairns) and rookie Jackson Makoi were also added under championship coach Chase Buford.

Soares signed a one-year contract after spending the previous season with Ironi Ness Ziona in Israel, where his outside shooting and shot-blocking made him an ideal fit alongside Cooks and Simon. He also shared the same agent as Cooks, Shaun Bruce and Makoi.

“He is a versatile center who has a great shooting touch and range – he allows us to stretch the floor and will play a key role in our offense this season,” said Sydney Kings CEO Chris Pongrass upon signing Soares.

“He fits perfectly into our brand of Sydney Kings basketball and the up-tempo, exciting style our coach Chase Buford and his team have brought to the Harbour City. Chase’s first priority is to get it done on the defensive end – between Tim, Xavier, and Justin, we will have the longest and most disruptive defensive trio in the league.”

Sydney opened the season at the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Soares (6 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) started at centre as the Kings defeated Illawarra 106-97. Walton Jr (32 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal), Cooks (24 points and 4 rebounds), Simon (19 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals) and Vasiljevic (16 points) led Sydney, while Lachlan Dent (19 points), Tyler Harvey (18 points), Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (14 points) and George King (14 points and 5 rebounds) led the Hawks.

Soares (9.4 points and 4.8 rebounds across 35 games) started at centre throughout his first NBL season, spreading the floor by shooting 52 per cent from the field and 40 per cent from three-point range while leading Sydney in blocked shots. No injury was reported during the campaign and no injury-related absence could be confirmed.

The Kings began their championship defence with three consecutive wins, highlighted by a 91-71 victory over Melbourne at John Cain Arena. Soares (12 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) recorded his first NBL double-double, while Cooks (23 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Vasiljevic (15 points) and Simon (12 points and 5 rebounds) helped Sydney produce a 25-0 run during the second quarter. Jordan Caroline (10 points and 10 rebounds) and Lachlan Barker (10 points) were Melbourne’s leading scorers as Sydney collected its fifteenth consecutive road win and broke the NBL record previously held by Canberra’s championship teams of the 1980s.

Sydney suffered its first loss of the season when Cairns won 83-78 at Qudos Bank Arena. Soares (9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 4 blocks) produced his best shot-blocking game of the season, while Vasiljevic (20 points), Cooks (15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Walton Jr (14 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the Kings. Sydney made only 14 of its 25 free throws, while Shannon Scott (16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals), Keanu Pinder (16 points and 11 rebounds) and DJ Hogg (15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) led Cairns without the injured Tahjere McCall.

After defeating Brisbane on the road, Sydney suffered another home loss against Adelaide, with Soares (6 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists), Walton Jr (23 points and 6 assists), Vasiljevic (15 points and 5 rebounds) and Simon (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) leading the Kings. Craig Randall II (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists), Daniel Johnson (17 points and 8 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (15 points and 7 rebounds) and Mitch McCarron (15 points and 5 rebounds) led the 36ers to a 92-88 victory, with McCarron’s defensive play preventing Sydney from forcing overtime during the final seconds.

Sydney appeared headed towards a third consecutive home loss against Cairns before Noi (13 points and 4 rebounds) made a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Kings a 106-103 victory. Soares was limited to 5:08 and finished with 3 points, 1 rebound, and 1 block, while Cooks (18 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Bruce (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists), Walton Jr (12 points and 3 assists) and Vasiljevic (12 points and 3 assists) helped Sydney improve to 8-2. Hogg (27 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks), Sam Waardenburg (20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Pinder (18 points and 7 rebounds) led Cairns.

The Kings returned to the top of the ladder after defeating New Zealand 81-77 at Spark Arena, extending their road winning streak to 17 games. Soares (11 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 steal), Simon (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals), Cooks (13 points and 4 rebounds) and Walton Jr (9 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Sydney, while Barry Brown Jr (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals), Izayah Le’afa (15 points and 4 assists), Dererk Pardon (11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and William McDowell-White (10 points and 12 rebounds) led New Zealand. Cooks injured his ankle during the second quarter and was ruled out for between two and four weeks.

With Cooks sidelined, Sydney escaped with an 83-82 victory over Illawarra after Bruce (8 points) made a three-pointer at the buzzer. Soares (12 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block), Glover (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), Walton Jr (12 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals), Simon (10 points and 8 rebounds) and Vasiljevic (10 points and 5 rebounds) helped the Kings recover after trailing by four points with 10 seconds remaining, while Harvey (32 points and 5 rebounds) and Sam Froling (17 points and 8 rebounds) led Illawarra.

LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE ⚡

THE SYDNEY KINGS HAVE DONE IT AGAIN 🔥

Watch #NBL23 live & free 📺 10 Peach & 10play | Live on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel pic.twitter.com/CvxWVxOkI8

— NBL (@NBL) November 20, 2022

Soares delivered another strong performance against Adelaide on December 4, making seven of his 11 field-goal attempts and finishing with 18 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 steals as Sydney won 97-78 at Qudos Bank Arena. Walton Jr (16 points and 11 assists), Cooks (15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Vasiljevic (15 points and 5 rebounds) supported him, while Johnson (21 points and 5 rebounds), Robert Franks (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Kai Sotto (13 points and 4 rebounds) led Adelaide.

Sydney consolidated first place by defeating New Zealand 88-81 at Spark Arena four days later. Soares (11 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) helped the Kings score 34 points during the opening quarter, while Walton Jr (21 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals), Cooks (18 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) and Simon (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals) helped Sydney improve to 10-3. Le’afa (17 points and 4 steals), McDowell-White (16 points and 8 assists), Brown Jr (15 points and 3 steals) and Jarrell Brantley (12 points and 4 rebounds) led New Zealand.

One of Soares’ three best regular-season games came against Illawarra at the WIN Entertainment Centre on December 16, where he finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 steal. Cooks (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists), Vasiljevic (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Walton Jr (9 points and 9 assists) helped Sydney win 86-79, while Harvey (19 points), Peyton Siva (15 points and 6 assists) and Froling (13 points and 7 rebounds) led Illawarra. Soares grabbed two important offensive rebounds and made two free throws during the closing stages as the Kings secured another road victory.

He also provided 15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block while making six of seven field-goal attempts against South East Melbourne on January 4. Vasiljevic (42 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) made 10 three-pointers, while Cooks (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists), Jordan Hunter (10 points) and Noi (10 points and 4 rebounds) helped Sydney defeat the Phoenix 118-102. Mitch Creek (32 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists), Kyle Adnam (20 points and 6 assists), Alan Williams (14 points and 10 rebounds) and Junior Madut (13 points and 6 rebounds) led South East Melbourne.

Soares produced his second-highest scoring game during Sydney’s record-breaking victory over Brisbane on January 11, finishing with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 blocks while making all eight of his free throws. Cooks (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists), Walton Jr (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Glover (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Simon (11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) helped Sydney win 116-67 at Nissan Arena. Nathan Sobey (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Tyler Johnson (13 points and 4 rebounds) led Brisbane as the Kings recorded the largest winning margin of the NBL’s 40-minute era and their biggest victory over the Bullets.

His best game of the season came in Adelaide on February 3, where he made seven of eight field-goal attempts, all three of his three-pointers and seven of eight free throws to finish with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals. With Cooks rested after Sydney secured first place, Vasiljevic (18 points and 4 rebounds), Simon (15 points and 7 rebounds), Noi (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Galloway (11 points) supported Soares, but Cleveland (23 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block), Franks (19 points and 5 rebounds) and Clark (18 points and 2 steals) led Adelaide to a 115-108 victory.

Sydney lost its final regular-season game against Perth 96-84 at RAC Arena, with Soares finishing with 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. Vasiljevic (18 points and 7 rebounds) and Cooks (15 points) led the Kings, while Corey Webster (26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Luke Travers (22 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block) and Brady Manek (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Perth. Despite losing its final two games, Sydney finished first with a 19-9 record and secured home-court advantage throughout the postseason.

Cooks (15 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 33 games) was named the NBL’s Most Valuable Player and selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Walton Jr (15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists across 33 games) joined him in the All-NBL First Team. Vasiljevic (13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds across 35 games), Simon (10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 35 games), Noi (8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 34 games), Glover (7.1 points across 31 games), Hunter (5.8 points and 3.2 rebounds across 35 games) and Galloway (5.1 points across 30 games) were Sydney’s other major contributors. Soares received the Michael Wrublewski Coaches’ Award at the Kings’ end-of-season awards.

After Cairns defeated Perth in the Play-In Tournament, Sydney opened the semifinals at Qudos Bank Arena with a 95-87 victory. Soares (14 points and 4 rebounds) made five of his six field-goal attempts, while Cooks (27 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Walton Jr (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Simon (10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Kings. Hogg (24 points), Jonah Antonio (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) and Scott (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Cairns.

Game two moved to the Cairns Convention Centre, where Soares was held scoreless and grabbed 5 rebounds before Cairns forced a deciding game with a 93-82 victory. Walton Jr (22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals), Simon (19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Noi (12 points and 4 rebounds) led Sydney, while Hogg (25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), McCall (20 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) and Waardenburg (15 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led Cairns. Cooks rolled his ankle after landing on Hogg’s foot, Buford was ejected and Soares was charged with striking Waardenburg during the physical contest. He accepted an early guilty plea and a $1,000 fine, allowing him to remain available for game three.

Sydney recovered in the deciding game, with Soares (4 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) providing an important defensive presence as the Kings defeated Cairns 79-64. Vasiljevic (15 points and 5 rebounds), Cooks (11 points and 11 rebounds), Noi (11 points and 11 rebounds) and Walton Jr (10 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal) led Sydney, while Ben Ayre (20 points and 4 assists) and Waardenburg (17 points and 12 rebounds) led the Taipans.

New Zealand opened the Championship Series by defeating Sydney 95-87 at Qudos Bank Arena. Soares (5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block), Simon (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Hunter (15 points and 4 rebounds) and Walton Jr (12 points and 6 assists) led the Kings, while McDowell-White (19 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Brown Jr (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Brantley (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) led New Zealand. Walton Jr suffered severe cramp late in the game, while Cooks left the court with leg corks.

Game two moved to Spark Arena, where Walton Jr (2 rebounds in 4:50) and Cooks (2 points and 4 rebounds in 9:05) were unable to continue because of their leg problems. Soares (5 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 3 blocks), Noi (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals), Vasiljevic (16 points and 4 rebounds), Simon (12 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 steals) and Glover (12 points) led the undermanned Kings to an 81-74 victory. Brown Jr (21 points and 3 rebounds), Brantley (20 points and 6 rebounds) and Le’afa (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led New Zealand as Sydney levelled the series.

Back in Sydney, Soares produced his best game of the Championship Series, making six of his nine field-goal attempts and finishing with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 blocks as the Kings defeated New Zealand 91-68. Vasiljevic (15 points and 4 rebounds), Simon (13 points, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks), Walton Jr (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Cooks (10 points and 8 rebounds) helped Sydney move ahead 2-1 in front of an NBL-record crowd of 18,049. McDowell-White (11 points and 6 rebounds), Brantley (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals), Brown Jr (10 points and 3 assists) and Rayan Rupert (10 points and 3 rebounds) led New Zealand.

New Zealand forced a deciding game by defeating Sydney 80-70 at Spark Arena. Soares was held scoreless but grabbed 4 rebounds, handed out 2 assists, and blocked 1 shot, while Walton Jr (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists), Glover (12 points and 2 steals) and Cooks (10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) led Sydney. Brantley (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block), Brown Jr (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and McDowell-White (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) combined for 62 points for the Breakers.

The Championship Series returned to Qudos Bank Arena for game five, where New Zealand led by 12 points during the first half before Sydney took control with a 14-0 run late in the fourth quarter. Walton Jr (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists), Cooks (19 points and 11 rebounds), Glover (12 points and 9 rebounds) and Noi (11 points) led Sydney, while Brown Jr (22 points and 4 rebounds), Brantley (16 points and 4 rebounds) and McDowell-White (12 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) led New Zealand. Sydney won 77-69 in front of an NBL-record crowd of 18,124, completing back-to-back championships and securing the club’s fifth title, with Walton Jr named Championship Series MVP and Soares receiving one vote after finishing with 2 points and 4 rebounds.

It was the last game of the season, and it delivered all sorts of drama.

Re-live the best bits thanks to @HungryJacksAU ⤵ pic.twitter.com/KxOiNZnVDW— NBL (@NBL) March 15, 2023

2025/26
After finishing fifth with a 16-13 record and losing its play-in game to Adelaide 95-88, Sydney entered Brian Goorjian’s second season needing to reshape its roster. Jaylen Adams (to Brisbane), Izayah Le’Afa (to New Zealand), Alex Toohey (to Golden State) and Cameron Oliver exited the team, while Goorjian retained Xavier Cooks, Bul Kuol, Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway, Makuach Maluach, Shaun Bruce and Tyler Robertson. Matthew Dellavedova (via Melbourne) and Kendric Davis (via Adelaide) were added to the backcourt, NBL23 championship centre Tim Soares (via Japan) returned on a one-year contract announced on July 2, 2025, after two seasons overseas, and Hunter Goodrick (via Norths) joined as an injury replacement after Keli Leaupepe and Jason Spurgin suffered long-term injuries before the season.

Sydney opened the season against Cairns at Qudos Bank Arena on September 28, where Soares (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal) started at centre, but the Taipans defeated the Kings 77-74. Davis (21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) and Dellavedova (10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) were Sydney’s other leading performers, while Jack McVeigh (24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) led Cairns.

Soares (11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds across 40 games) started every game at centre and produced his best NBL season, shooting 56 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc. His outside shooting opened the floor for Sydney’s guards, while his size, rebounding and interior defence allowed Goorjian to use Cooks in several different roles.

Soares’ best scoring game came at John Cain Arena on October 23, where he made seven of his 11 field-goal attempts and finished with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal. Davis (31 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Dellavedova (14 points) provided support, but Nathan Sobey (33 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) led South East Melbourne to a 112-95 win.

Three days later, Soares (13 points and 5 rebounds) helped Sydney build a 16-point lead against Tasmania at Qudos Bank Arena, but the Kings were outscored 26-10 in the final quarter and lost 90-89 after Nick Marshall scored the winning lay-up with 12 seconds remaining. Davis (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Galloway (18 points) led Sydney, while Josh Bannan (18 points and 9 rebounds) was best for Tasmania. The collapse left Sydney sixth with a 3-5 record despite holding a positive points differential, with the Kings ranked in the bottom half of the league for rebounds, field-goal percentage and assists and bottom two in free-throw percentage. After entering the season with another expensive, star-filled roster, media coverage questioned Goorjian’s future and fans suggested the 72-year-old was too old, his time had passed and the modern game had moved beyond him. Goorjian admitted the Kings were now in a “dogfight” and later said he could feel the negativity and nastiness surrounding the team as pressure continued to build.

Soares responded against Brisbane on November 1 with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks as the Kings defeated the Bullets 116-79 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Cooks (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Davis (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) helped Sydney produce its biggest win of the season to that point, while Casey Prather (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Brisbane.

Sydney’s rotation changed again in January when Kuol (6.7 points and 4.2 rebounds) suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Adelaide. Former NBA forward Torrey Craig (via Boston) was signed as his replacement and Craig (12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds across 15 games) immediately moved into the starting group, adding further size, experience and defensive versatility to the Kings’ lineup.

Soares delivered another season-best performance against Illawarra at Qudos Bank Arena on January 29, making five of his six three-point attempts and finishing with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal as Sydney defeated the Hawks 122-104. Davis (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Maluach (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal) helped the Kings collect their sixth consecutive win, while Tyler Harvey (25 points and 3 steals) led Illawarra.

Davis (25.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists) led the league’s most productive backcourt, earning Sydney’s MVP award and All-NBL First Team honours before finishing two votes behind Bryce Cotton in the league MVP count. Cooks (13.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks) remained Sydney’s leading frontcourt scorer and was selected to the All-NBL Second Team, while Soares and Craig provided the size and outside shooting needed to complement him.

Noi (10 points and 3.7 rebounds), Galloway (9.7 points), Dellavedova (8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists), Maluach (8.3 points and 3.1 rebounds) and Robertson (6 points) rounded out Sydney’s main rotation. Kuol received the club’s Defensive Player of the Year award despite his shortened season, Dellavedova won the Coaches Award, Robertson was named Players’ Player and Maluach collected the Members’ Player of the Year award, while Goorjian was named NBL Coach of the Year for the seventh time.

The Kings closed the regular season against Brisbane on February 20, where Soares (4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) helped Sydney defeat the Bullets 117-77. Davis (31 points and 8 assists) and Maluach (15 points and 3 rebounds) led the Kings, while Hunter Maldonado (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) was Brisbane’s best as Sydney completed an 11-game winning streak and finished first with a 24-9 record.

Sydney opened the semi-finals against Perth at Qudos Bank Arena on March 11, where Soares (8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block), Davis (35 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Craig (20 points and 9 rebounds) led the Kings to a 105-104 win. Kristian Doolittle (31 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and David Duke Jr (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) led Perth, but Doolittle missed the potential game-winning shot as time expired.

Game two moved to RAC Arena, where Soares (3 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block), Davis (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists), Maluach (23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Craig (12 points and 7 rebounds) helped Sydney defeat Perth 89-75 and complete the sweep. Ben Henshall (20 points and 6 rebounds) and Doolittle (15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) were best for the Wildcats as the Kings advanced to their third Championship Series in five seasons.

The Championship Series opened at Qudos Bank Arena on March 21, where Soares (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) made eight of his 10 field-goal attempts and scored 17 points during the second quarter as Sydney defeated Adelaide 112-68. Davis (25 points and 7 assists) and Galloway (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) helped the Kings record the biggest win in Championship Series history, while Isaac White (11 points) and Cotton (10 points and 7 assists) led Adelaide.

Game two moved to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, where Soares (8 points and 4 rebounds), Davis (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals), Cooks (18 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Craig (17 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) kept Sydney close. Cotton (28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Flynn Cameron (17 points and 5 rebounds) led Adelaide before Cotton scored at the buzzer to give the 36ers a 91-89 win and level the series.

Sydney regained control in game three at Qudos Bank Arena, with Soares (12 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block), Davis (34 points and 15 assists), Cooks (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) and Galloway (17 points and 2 steals) leading the Kings to a 106-93 win. John Jenkins (22 points), Zylan Cheatham (17 points and 10 rebounds) and Cotton (15 points and 12 assists) led Adelaide as Sydney moved within one win of the championship.

Adelaide kept the series alive in game four, defeating Sydney 92-91 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre despite Soares (10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks), Davis (22 points and 10 assists) and Galloway (20 points). Cheatham (23 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Cotton (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists) and Dejan Vasiljevic (19 points and 4 rebounds) led the 36ers before Craig made one of two free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining, leaving Adelaide ahead and forcing a deciding game.

Game five returned to Qudos Bank Arena on April 5, where Sydney trailed by two points before Davis missed a three-pointer and Soares grabbed the offensive rebound, scoring with 4.6 seconds remaining to force overtime. Davis (35 points and 14 assists) was named Championship Series MVP, Cooks (19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Galloway (16 points and 6 rebounds) helped Sydney dominate overtime, while Cotton (35 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Cheatham (15 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Adelaide as the Kings won 113-101 in front of 18,589 fans, claiming their sixth championship and third in five seasons. Soares (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) played 33:26 minutes in the win.

After helping Sydney claim the NBL26 championship, Soares was confirmed as a departure for NBL27. On June 9, 2026, Japanese B.League club Ibaraki Robots announced he had agreed to a one-year deal for 2026/27, and Sydney confirmed his departure the following day. The move reunited him with former Melbourne United forward Finn Delany in Japan.

Tim Soares played two seasons with the Sydney Kings. He averaged 10.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1 assists in 76 NBL games.