Import Erin Bollmann has candidly conceded Adelaide could have fallen apart amid the WNBL club's dramas, but the fact they haven't is one reason underpinning their much-needed 94-75 win against Sydney.
Going into the match, the Lightning had won just one game in six and needed a victory to reignite their finals push after WNBA import Serena Sundell suffered a season-ending knee injury and former head coach Kerryn Mitchell was sacked.
The win was coach Aja Parham-Ammar's first since taking over from Mitchell and moved Adelaide one win behind the fourth-placed UC Capitals (5-6).
Opal Steph Talbot was instrumental as the captain fell just short of becoming the first WNBL player to record a triple-double this season, registering 17 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists at Sydney's Quaycentre on Sunday.
Sania Feagin (23 points, 10 rebounds) and Dallas Loughridge (23 points, four assists) were their usual busy selves as they improved Adelaide's record to 4-7.
"We have had so many changes, like me coming in, Sundell going down, and then getting a new coach," said Bollmann, who made 100 per cent of her shots.
"All that stuff breaks the team apart, and we're rebuilding that and coming back together.
"It's going to take time, but once we get together with Aja pushing us to practise, it's going to be really beautiful.
"This is the best team I've ever been on. They find me in the places that I feel most comfortable."
The Flames (3-9) suffered their sixth loss in seven games, sinking to the foot of the ladder despite starting the game fast and leading by as many as 11 points.
But Adelaide's consistent scoring, coupled with Sydney's inaccuracy from the three-point line (30 per cent) and 18 turnovers, hurt the Flames' chances of claiming a maiden victory for coach Renae Garlepp.
The home side were without young gun Issy Morgan (foot) and French import Olivia Epoupa (concussion), as Unique Thompson (five rebounds) and Lauren Nicholson (four assists) grabbed 13 and 23 points respectively.
"I'm really happy with how we came out and started the game. I thought we were really locked in defensively, and we moved the ball well," Garlepp said.
"As the game progressed, we had some breakdowns on offence and turnovers.
"We've seen with this group this year that it's (scoreboard pressure) definitely a barrier that we need to work through."
Sydney brought the fire early, dominating the paint and using intense physicality to create a seven-point quarter-time gap.
The Flames' inaccuracy began to creep in during the second quarter, as Adelaide switched gears to lead 43-36 at halftime.
After both teams exchanged buckets to start the third quarter, the Lightning ballooned their advantage to 17 and the Flames were unable to erode the deficit.
