Billed as a top-of-the-table clash, the defending champions stayed with the Kings until halftime before wilting under a three-point barrage to lose 104-85.

Not even a season-high 36 points from star Bryce Cotton could prevent the lopsided defeat, with big man Nick Kay the only other player to hit double figures.

"We had too many passengers," Gleeson said.

"I think Nick and Bryce can hold their heads high and be proud of the effort they put on. I think everybody else has got to look at themselves at the mirror."

Gleeson was particularly upset with a defence that allowed the Kings to connect on 15 of 33 attempts from long range, most of them in a decisive third quarter.

The 104 points is the most they have conceded in a game all season.

"Third quarter's been good for us all season and really disappointing how we came out. We weren't aggressive," Gleeson said.

"They were taking the fight to us. Then they got on a roll and dropping threes pretty quickly. Disappointed we didn't answer the challenge."

The Wildcats had their struggles on offence, with Terrico White and Clint Steindl combining to hit just two of 17 shots between them.

But Gleeson said that was when their defence had to stand up.

"There's going to be nights that you don't shoot the ball well and that's when defence puts you through. Our defence was pretty poor," he said.

"And they got on a roll and they were dropping threes like it was a party. They were comfortable, doing what they wanted to do.

"We didn't have enough guys getting down and dirty and playing defence. Not dirty, but rubbing the hands and say, 'Let's bring it on'."

Australian Associated Press