Two days after a stunning last-second win over NBL leaders Perth, Sydney have racked up a fourth straight victory with a 83-68 defeat of Illawarra at WIN Entertainment Centre.
The Kings led at every change, boosting their record to 9-4 to remain in second spot on the ladder heading into the Christmas period.
"We're hungry and we can see so many areas we can get better at, and the season is still really young," Kings captain Kevin Lisch said.
"The expectations won't change for us because we've already set really high standards for ourselves."
Two-time NBL MVP Lisch (16 points) top-scored for Sydney, while American forward David Wear, who hit the clutch game-winner against Perth, and Brad Newley each added 13.
Former NBA star Andrew Bogut shrugged off a quiet opening quarter to finish with 10 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks.
Illawarra were led by Todd Blanchfield's 12 points, while American guard Jordair Jett had 10.
The Kings face four important games over the coming weeks, taking on last-placed Cairns in north Queensland on Thursday before hosting titleholders Melbourne United on Sunday.
They have a home meeting with Brisbane on December 29 and return to Wollongong on January 5 for a re-match with the Hawks.
"We are really hard to beat if we're holding teams in the 60s," Kings coach Andrew Gaze said.
"If we can defend and always have our defence as insurance for a bad shooting night, then we're always going to be in the game.
Sydney led 18-17 at quartertime and 36-33 at halftime before stretching the margin to eight heading into the final period.
They were ahead by as many as 17 and kept the home team at arm's length down the stretch.
"We were defending well and rebounding well and doing all the things we had to do, but we went away from the game plan in the second half and you can't do that against a team with as much talent and experience they've got," Illawarra coach Rob Beveridge said.
