Much maligned Sydney import Mark Sanford finally lived up to the hype with a powerhouse performance in the Kings' 102-97 NBL win over New Zealand at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Sanford poured in a game-high 28 points for the Kings, who withstood a spirited last quarter comeback to keep hold of the Bondi Shield, which goes to the winner of the series between the two teams.

Up by 14 going into the last term, Sydney got the wobbles as it failed to score for the opening five minutes.

New Zealand closed to within 10, before Breakers skipper Pero Cameron, who finished with 18 points, fouled out with 4min:27sec remaining.

Sanford and Kings skipper Jason Smith (20 points) then nailed some clutch baskets down the stretch to get Sydney home.

The festive season obviously agreed with Sanford, with the 206cm Texas native lighting up early from both inside and out for 15 points in the opening term, but it wasn't enough to stop the Breakers taking a 36-31 lead into the second quarter.

Sydney cranked up the defence in the second period, with Smith outscoring the entire NZ team.

The Breakers went just 4 of 16 from the field for 12 points while Smith, scoreless in the first quarter, found his range.

He nailed all three of his three-point attempts as he tallied 13 for the period, including a long bomb on the halftime siren as the Kings took a 59-48 lead into the main break.

The lead ballooned out to 20 (72-52) early in the third as Rolan Roberts (23 points) scored eight quick points, forcing Breakers coach Frank Arsego to call a timeout.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP