The Adelaide 36ers have caused one of the biggest boil-overs of the season, thrashing NBL leaders Sydney 119-99 on Saturday at Qudos Bank Arena.
Led by American forward Jacob Wiley's 21 points, the 36ers had six players in double figures, handing the Kings their second straight home loss and third defeat in their past five games.
The Sixers proved Thursday night's convincing home win over Perth was no fluke.
"We're coming together," sadi Adelaide coach Joey Wright.
"We've been searching for our identity all season and we're starting to find that."
Wright praised Wiley's efforts.
"Jacob will do whatever we need him to do," he said.
"He's a great guy to be around and a great guy to coach. He gives me energy coaching a guy like that."
Missing in action for Sydney was NBL MVP favourite Andrew Bogut, who had his worst performance of the season before fouling out early in the fourth period.
Bogut scored six points - all in the first quarter - and grabbed just two rebounds, well below his season average of 12.5 per game.
The Sixers boosted their record to 12-10, while Sydney slipped to 13-8 and are looking increasingly vulnerable, despite the addition of new import Ray Turner.
Signed ostensibly as a back-up for Bogut, Turner had two points, two rebounds in seven minutes before fouling out in his NBL debut.
"It's disappointing. It was a good old fashioned arse-kicking," Kings coach Andrew Gaze said.
"It's hard to take, particularly in front of your fans. It's a hard pill to swallow.
"We have to learn these lessons and figure out these problems and come up with solutions.
"These things present challenges and it makes the journey more enjoyable if you can work your way out of them."
Jerome Randle led the Kings' scoring with 23 points and David Wear added 14.
Wiley was on target early with nine quick points, while rookie Harry Froling was his usual productive self with eight off the bench, including a bold three-pointer in the dying seconds of the opening quarter.
Bogut and Randle did their best to give the Kings a solid platform with a collective 11 points, but the signs were worrying for Gaze with the Sixers ahead 27-22 at quarter-time.
Super-sub Kyle Adnam provided Sydney with a big spark off the bench, while Wear made a couple of key shots, but the 36ers responded to lead 54-47 at half-time.
The Sixers had taken away much of Bogut's ability to dominate defensively via their fast-paced, perimeter-oriented attack, limiting the 2.13m centre to just two rebounds in the half.
Adelaide's 54 points were the most scored in the first half against Sydney by any visiting team this season.
Bogut still had just two rebounds after five minutes of the third period and was soon on the bench with twice as many fouls, as the Sixers built a 69-58 lead.
The Sixers showed no mercy, powering to a runaway victory.
"Every game for us is a must win with the league really close, so this a great win," Wiley said.
"Joey's got us playing really hard right now."
Adelaide are away to Perth next Friday and the Kings will aim to bounce back against the Bullets in Brisbane, also on Friday.
