Perth confirmed it is the real deal in 2006, producing a stirring third-quarter comeback to end a near two-year hoodoo against Sydney with a 90-81 NBL win at Challenge Stadium.

Up by 14 points at half time, Brian Goorjian's Kings looked set to extend an undefeated run against the Wildcats that has existed since January 2005.

But having hit more than half their shots in the first half, the Kings proceeded to shoot just one from 16 in the third term, allowing Perth to take a lead they never relinquished.

The home side were again reliant on its three R's - Paul Rogers, Tony Ronaldson and Shawn Redhage - with the former Breaker posting more outstanding figures.

After a triple double last week, Redhage pulled down 20 rebounds to go with his 20 points and confirm his growing status as one of the most influential players in the NBL.

Peter Crawford also contributed strongly with 18 points while power forward Ronaldson added 17.

For Sydney, Boomer David Barlow gave his all with 19 points but was fouled out in the final minute while Luke Kendall (15 points) and Ian Crosswhite (11) were the other main contributors for the Kings.

Perth's victory, and Brisbane's loss to the Tigers in Melbourne, allows the Wildcats to reclaim top spot on the NBL ladder at 9-3 while the Kings dropped to fifth and 7-5 for the season.

Goorjian was stunned when told of his team's woeful second-half shooting, which ended with just two successful shots from 26 attempts.

"I knew it was bad, but I had no idea it was that bad. I knew we were struggling ... but those guys in those spots could not score. That is a real issue." Goorjian said.

"Tonight, like last week ... when you get in that fourth quarter, and it is a three point game and the crowd is going crazy whenever we are playing the other team's guys get that done.

"In our situation we look totally lost on where we are going to get a shot and who we go to."

Wildcats coach Scott Fisher said the second half defensive performance was championship material.

"That second half defence is championship-type defence, but we need to work on our execution a little bit better," Fisher said.

"And we need to do it for more than just a half ... but right now we are definitely as good as anyone, and probably better than most."

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