Red-hot Dejan Vasiljevic has fired Sydney Kings past South East Melbourne Phoenix in an NBL points-fest.
Vasiljevic sunk his first six three-point efforts on his way to 10 from the perimeter as the Kings reeled in and beat the Phoenix 118-102, who were led again by Mitch Creek (32 points, nine rebounds).
The Kings, without Derrick Walton Jr due to ankle soreness, lit it up outside the arc, shooting at 73 per cent (17 from 23).
None did it better than Vasiljevic, who finished with a career-best 42 points.
Defence took a back seat at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena as the two finals-bound sides put on a similar shootout to their last meeting in December, won by the Phoenix 113-112 in second overtime.
Given the sidelined Walton Jr made 45 points in that clash, Simon Mitchell's side would have fancied their chances at toppling the ladder leaders this time around.
Creek was hot early, with 10 first-term points as the Phoenix led 30-24 in an all-action quarter.
At the other end, Vasiljevic began his long-range work, sinking two three-pointers before the break and four in the second term to fire up the 11,000 crowd.
The Canada-born shooting guard - who had 22 points from his first 13 minutes - gave the Kings a 58-55 halftime lead, with Creek and unlikely scorer Kyle Adnam (20 points, six assists) keeping the Phoenix in touch.
They could not stay with the reigning champions, though, with Xavier Cooks (16 points, seven rebounds) joining the party in the third term.
Tim Soares found joy from long range for the Kings, sinking three of his four efforts.
Vasiljevic sunk his ninth midway through the last term before being benched by coach Chase Buford to Bronx cheers.
With the game in the bag, Vasiljevic returned to clear the 40-point milestone with his 10th three with just 25 seconds on the clock.
While Sydney march on, the fade-out will leave the Phoenix fuming.
Club leaders, including Creek, called for a response after a poor loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers three days ago, and while they hit triple-figures, the Phoenix could not topple the relentless Kings.
