The grand final rematch between Melbourne United and Adelaide 36ers produced another memorable finish, though not without controversy, while the Sydney Kings provided the first glimpse of their enormous potential.

Touted as one of the most talented squads assembled in the NBL prior to the season, the Andrew Bogut-era Kings opened their campaign with back-to-back losses to Adelaide heading into Sunday's clash with the New Zealand Breakers.

But the Kings avoided going 0-3 by jumping out to an 11-point quarter time lead at Spark Arena and powering home 101-78.

Six Kings finished in double figures as they drained 11 three-pointers on their way to shooting at 60 per cent from the field.

But it was Bogut, an NBA championship winner with the Golden State Warriors, who proved the catalyst for the Kings eclipsing 100 points in consecutive games for the first time under coach Andrew Gaze.

His elite-level skills came to the fore on Sydney's two-game road trip as he compiled 29 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and seven blocked shots against the Sixers and Breakers.

Backing up from a 106-101 home win over the Kings, Adelaide were hoping to deal the defending champions an early-season blow at Melbourne Arena.

But United fought their way back from a 10-point deficit in the second quarter to grind out a 75-72 win thanks to a late three-pointer from forward David Barlow.

The Sixers missed two late chances to tie the game while a potential missed call on a backcourt violation in the closing seconds ensured the win for Melbourne.

But Sixers coach Joey Wright was full of praise for Barlow's game-winning performance while taking the blame for his clutch three-pointer.

"I fell asleep - I probably should have had a different defensive rotation on the court at that particular time," Wright said.

"We'd lost Barlow all night ... he hit two big threes that way and those aren't shots you should be giving up."

Perth's quest for 33rd consecutive finals appearance has started in impressive fashion, a comfortable 88-73 win over the Brisbane Bullets maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.

Reigning NBL MVP Bryce Cotton starred again on Saturday, dropping a season-high 28 points on the Bullets.

Former Illawarra Hawks forward Nick Kay completed a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds while captain Damian Martin punished Brisbane from the perimeter with four three-pointers.

Cam Gliddon (13 points) again led the way for the visitors with the Bullets losing two in a row following their opening round upset win in New Zealand.

The result improved the Wildcats' imposing home record to 79 wins in 100 matches at RAC Arena.

Australian Associated Press