Sydney have survived a third quarter meltdown and the loss of swingman Todd Blanchfield to defeat Cairns 81-72 at home.
The win is the last-placed side's third in 12 NBL games, breaking a five-game losing skid and keeping their slim finals hopes alive.
The Kings did it the hard way, allowing a 23-point lead to be cut to six before American import Jerome Randle nailed clutch shots to preserve victory.
Playing his first home game since joining Sydney last month, the former Adelaide star was at his best when the Kings needed it, scoring 10 of his 16 points in the second half.
Fellow newcomer Jeremy Tyler was also prominent, posting 15 points and seven rebounds.
Jason Cadee added 16 first half points while Cam Gliddon (20) and Alex Loughton (19) paced the Taipans.
"Todd's in a bad way," Sydney coach Andrew Gaze said.
"He's definitely not able to get on a plane and won't be playing on Saturday.
"Perry (Ellis) is not in a good way either. He tried to push through to his credit but he wasn't himself and he'll have tests on his shoulder to see what damage there is.
"The good thing is that (injured captain) Kevin (Lisch)is coming back soon.
"That was a good win for us and we understand the road ahead and the challenges we face. We're looking forward to what lies ahead."
Ellis left the court after two minutes before returning in the second quarter, while Blanchfield clashed heads with teammate Isaac Humphries midway through the second period and didn't return.
He is expected to miss the rematch with the Taipans in Cairns due to the NBL's concussion rules.
Sydney were ahead by six at quarter-time before powering to 51-32 at half time.
The Taipans dominated the third period to be down 69-60 heading into the final quarter but never got closer.
Cairns coach Aaron Fearne wasn't too down.
"They're a club in a real desperate situation for a win and they came out and played accordingly," he said.
"We did a really good job in the second half to get back. You want to give yourself a chance on the road and we did that but we didn't take it.
"We're down three key players and we're fighting and I'm proud of the guys for that. We'll keep fighting and finding ways to win."
Both teams will fly to Cairns on Friday.
