It took more than a decade for their long-suffering fans, but the Sydney Kings finally returned to the national basketball league semifinals in style on Saturday night, routing the Melbourne Tigers 114-89 to take their first-round playoff series 2-1.

It was 1992 when a Sydney team last reached the final four and, while the Kings were guaranteed a semifinal berth after finishing atop the table in the regular season, they advanced to the next round in commanding fashion.

For a team more renowned for crumbling, Sydney simply obliterated the tame Tigers and made its intentions known after a poor effort in game two against Melbourne.

The Kings will face either Perth or Townsville in the semis, depending on the results of Sunday's clash between the Wildcats and Adelaide.

Sydney fans have been through more than most, with the Kings consistently failing to live up to their pre-season hype, a trait which began following that 1992 season.

But this team, led by Boomers coach Brian Goorjian, is showing the heart and desire missing from previous incarnations of the Kings.

After a nervous opening, Sydney took control in the second and third terms, when a combined 63-38 advantage killed off the ageing Tigers.

Melbourne's height and experience were big factors in its victory in game two but Sydney made the necessary adjustments, claiming the rebound count 55-44.

"Playoffs are about adjustments and there's been a lot said about this team," Goorjian said after the game.

"After game two it was put on the line tonight and we stepped up big time."

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