Scores were level again with 40 seconds left and Adelaide had the ball following a Jarell Martin offensive foul. Adams didn’t need to be asked twice,further writing himself into Kings’ lore with more late heroics.

The win moved Sydney’s season record to 10-7,good enough to move them to third spot on the ladder. Perth are now fourth and Illawarra fifth.

After a slow start proved too much to overcome in their 16-point loss to Illawarra on Friday night,the 36ers started in a much more positive fashion.

Import Todd Withers hit a pair of early three-pointers,enough to prompt Kings coach Chase Buford to take a time-out with his team trailing 13-8 after the opening four minutes.

Adelaide’s insistence on feeding their low-post players paid continual dividends,with easy buckets and trips to the free-throw line frustrating the Kings’ big men.

Former NBA player Cameron Bairstow was Adelaide’s best over the opening 20 minutes,proving a constant menace on the boards and a threat on offence.

News,results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday.Sign up for our Sport newsletter.