The Sydney Kings have survived a fourth-quarter meltdown to remain in top spot on the NBL table, defeating the New Zealand Breakers 88-81 at Auckland's Spark Arena.
After assuming control in the opening term of Friday's top-of-the-table blockbuster, the Kings forged ahead by 16 points midway through the third period before almost throwing victory away with a sudden slew of turnovers.
Their advantage was trimmed to four points with two minutes remaining in the absorbing contest before import playmaker Derrick Walton Jr ended the reigning champions' dry spell with a match-sealing, shot-clock-beating three inside the last 80 seconds.
Walton (21 points) and captain Xavier Cooks (18 points, 11 rebounds) led the charge for the Kings who moved to 10-3.
Izaya Le'Afa top-scored for the Breakers (11-5) with 17 points, including 5-of-6 from downtown, while fellow guard Will McDowell-White impressed with 16 points and eight assists.
WIth Le'Afa hot from the outset, NZ knocked down three early triples from as many attempts before Sydney uncorked a 14-0 burst to progress from 9-3 down to 17-9 up.
The Kings dominated on the glass and shot a sizzling 73 per cent from the floor throughout the frenetic, high-octane first quarter, at the end of which they led 34-25.
Dererk Pardon's spin around Tim Soares and dunk was the highlight of the second term, later marginally outdone by Justin Simon's monstrous slam in transition in the third as the two powerhouse outfits traded blows.
Jaylin Galloway's corner triple on the three-quarter-time buzzer pushed the visitors' cushion to 79-64 before NZ charged home hard.
The Kings were reeling as the Breakers extended their defence pressure, gradually chipping into the deficit but not quite able to reel it in.
