Andrew Bogut is the king of outlandish statements.
But the former NBA star and the Sydney Kings have made arguably their biggest declaration of the young NBL season with a 100-87 defeat of New Zealand.
In easily his best effort of the year, Bogut registered 17 points, ten rebounds, and seven assists - and even had five blocks - to almost flirt with a triple double.
Kings coach Andrew Gaze admitted it was the coaching staff at fault for failing to utilise Bogut's skills earlier on in the season.
"We were just trying to find our way a little bit," Gaze said.
"We as coaches didn't help that cause but in more recent times we've tried to refine it, simplify things a little bit more, and we seem to be getting better results."
More importantly, the Kings, who have now won five of their past six games, consolidated third spot on the table ahead of a clash with Melbourne next week.
Breakers coach Kevin Braswell believes the Kings should now be considered alongside the Wildcats and United as championship material.
"They're definitely title contenders," he said.
"Melbourne won it last year, and Sydney made a lot of changes. They're a really good team, and Perth has been really consistent."
Gaze conceded they were still striving to be like the Wildcats and United.
"I watch every single game and watching Melbourne United the last couple of games, they have been really special, because they've been challenged," he said.
"And similarly, you look at Perth, with a very significant portion of their team not there and still finding ways to win.
"We are striving to replicate that."
The defending champions United made a statement of their own in round six, netting back-to-backs wins over the Breakers and then Brisbane.
United were once again led by Casper Ware against the Bullets on Sunday, when he reeled off 23 points as they extended their winning streak to three.
It was big man Josh Boone who did most of the damage against New Zealand, with the former NBA centre posting 26 points, ten rebounds and five blocks.
In other games across the weekend, Adelaide smashed Illawarra 104-79 in Demetrius Conger's first game for the club.
Conger tallied eight points and five rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench.
Perth survived a miracle four-point play by Melo Trimble that forced overtime against Cairns to pull out an 88-83 victory and stay atop the ladder.
Despite being without key trio Damian Martin, Terrico White and Angus Brandt, the Wildcats were carried by Bryce Cotton's 26 points.
