Melbourne United have bounced back from a heavy NBL defeat to Cairns by running out 108-90 winners over Sydney.
After being out-hustled in a big loss on Thursday night to the Taipans, United won the rebounding battle with the Kings and shared the scoring load for their fifth win of the season at Hisense Arena.
"We weren't happy about the way we lost the other night," Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said after his side's much-improved effort against Sydney.
"I thought there was a physicality that was really missing with our group so that was a priority tonight."
Casey Prather led all scorers on Saturday with 22 points, while Tai Wesley made nine-of-11 shots with three triples to finish with 21 points.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Josh Boone racked up a double-double in the first half and finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
The Kings played with renewed vigour after a week of upheaval and roster changes, keeping pace with United in a first half with 28 lead changes before fading in the later stages.
"I think there was some really good basketball that we played from time to time," Kings coach Andrew Gaze said after his side remained in touch with United early in the final quarter.
"Unfortunately, they made some big baskets and shot the ball extremely well."
Jason Cadee and Brad Newley each scored 17 points for Sydney, with new import centre Jeremy Tyler scoring eight points in less than 11 minutes before fouling out.
Marquee signing and league MVP Jerome Randle is expected to make his Kings debut next week.
Ware and Boone sparked United early by combining for 15 points, but Tyler's introduction helped steady the Kings with his six points handing the visitors a 23-21 lead at the first change.
Cadee's triple midway through the quarter gave the Kings their biggest lead at 39-34. But Melbourne hit back with five-straight points from Wesley, while Boone's persistence on the offensive glass allowed United to close the half ahead 50-47.
The home side took control in the third as Prather, Boone and Wesley produced a 16-10 opening that forced Kings coach Gaze into a timeout.
Prather soon pushed the lead into double digits but triples from former United forward Todd Blanchfield and Jeremy Kendle meant the Kings cut the lead to five.
Ware hit from outside to steady United with a 79-72 advantage after three quarters.
The Kings made a brief run in the fourth with Cadee's four-point play closing the gap to four points, but Ware answered again from outside as United scored seven unanswered points to end Sydney's challenge.
United will host defending champions Perth next Sunday afternoon, while the Kings face away games at Illawarra and Randle's former club Adelaide.
