A masterclass from Kings star Andrew Bogut floored the Illawarra Hawks as arch-rivals Sydney marched to a convincing 86-79 at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday night.
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The NBA Championship winner had his best game since returning to the NBL in a dominant round three victory.
As Taylor Swift serenaded more than 80,000 people next door at ANZ Stadium, Bogut hit the highest note in Olympic Park with a game-high 21 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Jerome Randle (13 points) and Kevin Lisch (12 points) both played great supporting roles.
Hawks’ swingman Todd Blanchfield and Tim Coenraad had 16 points each, but never looked like getting near their fiercest rivals.
Lisch got himself going early with an early three to get the scoreboard ticking before Bogut picked up the scoring load.
The former Golden State Warrior was a class above, compiling a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in a dominant first half display.
He put Illawarra's AJ Ogilvy on a poster with a vicious dunk to help the hosts to a 31-18 lead earlier in the second quarter.
Jerome Randle's jumper gave the Kings their biggest lead of the match at 22 points with 90 seconds left in the half.
A floater from former Hawks development player Kyle Adnam propelled the Kings to a 52-35 at the main break.
Bogut picked up where he left off by opening the scoring from the charity stripe before fellow Boomer Brad Newley drained one from downtown to extend the lead to 22 points again.
Tim Coenraad's contested three gave the Hawks some hope at 67-50, but Sydney always looked to have another gear.
Another Randle mid-range jumper ensured the hosts were 15 points clear at the final change.
Bogut's lay-up completed a five-point run to start the final term, which looked to put the contest well out of the Hawks’ reach.
A late flurry from Coenraad gave Illawarra an outside chance, but Sydney flexed their muscle to boost their record to 3-2.
The Hawks, who are now 2-4, have a six days before they take on Melbourne United.