Jerome Randle insists the Sydney Kings have unearthed a "championship mindset" in time to launch a serious run through the NBL playoffs.
Only a fortnight ago the Kings' attitude was questioned when marquee man Andrew Bogut fouled out in the side's thrashing by the Adelaide 36ers.
Even coach Andrew Gaze conceded the team looked inept while Bogut was off the court.
But, with four games remaining to build momentum for the finals, the Kings' resilience and confidence has been restored after two wins from their last three games.
Evidence of that attitude check came in Friday night's two-point victory in Brisbane against the fourth-placed Bullets.
With Bogut in foul trouble, others, including guard Kevin Lisch, David Wear, Brad Newley and Ray Turner found ways to influence the game.
"Kev's a huge shot maker. David Wear, when he has the opportunity to make those big shots, he comes through," Randle said.
"It's having the confidence to make the right pay down the stretch.
"Anyone can want the ball in their hands. Kev feel's the same way.
"That's a championship mindset."
The top two teams, Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats, have all but locked up their playoff spots.
Sydney, now third on 15 wins, would have to implode to miss out. The Kings face Brisbane at home on Sunday, then Melbourne, Perth and Cairns before the playoffs.
"We've still got to find a couple more wins," Gaze said.
"Our schedule's really tough. This (win in Brisbane) was a big game for us."
The Bullets are in a shootout with the Adelaide 36ers for the fourth and final place.
Both are level on 12 wins but Brisbane are still in the water after three straight losses.
Of some concern will be the fitness of forward Cameron Bairstow who, according to coach Andrej Lemanis, struggled with cramp in the last quarter against the Kings.
"We missed him in that bit," Lemanis said.
