In the top-of-the-table clash, the Perth Wildcats dominated the rebounding battle and pulled down 24 offensive boards in their 96-77 NBL win at RAC Arena on Friday night.

Nick Kay and Dario Hunt were massive for the reigning premier, with 24 rebounds between them, 11 at the offensive end. Star Bryce Cotton even dragged down nine.

That resulted in 23 Perth second-chance points, with Kings star centre and reigning NBL MVP and defensive player of the year, Andrew Bogut, unable to do much about it.

Sydney were reduced to only 32 rebounds (their least for the season) to Perth's 58 (their biggest).

Most of the damage was done in the first half when the Wildcats scored 70 points; the most of any team since games were reduced go 40-minute contests.

Some of the commentary from Kings coach Will Weaver after the loss centred around inconsistent foul calls. It's not new from teams playing in Perth.

And Weaver gave the impression that his main concern about the reigning premier is playing them in the hostile Perth venue.

"A lot of the first half was about us working out how we can box out legally, because we weren't having much success with it," he said.

"We'll watch the tape and figure out what we can do better the next time.

"We're not the first team to come here and... we got smacked and it's not about the foul count, it's not about that.

"But, on average they draw 21 fouls and commit 14 in this building."

The final foul count finished 21-20, with the Wildcats ending up behind.

But it was the fouling after the ball had been shot, usually by Cotton and Terrico White, that seemed to bother Weaver the most.

Kay, who also dropped 19 points, was fouled seven times and Hunt five.

"The offensive glass was everything and we weren't able to executive that phase of our game plan," he said.

"The 24 'O' boards - it's the beginning, middle and end of everything you talk about.

"They have got a great head start. They know (Cotton and White) aren't passing

"They are shooting it. So, they get a running a head start and if you try to box out, like they teach, they move you out the way and grab it.

"We have to go back to the drawing board and try to work out how to box out more effectively."

Friday was only the Kings second loss and the get the chance to regroup quickly when they host the Cairns Taipans on Sunday.

The Taipans have been in good form recently and are now eying a spot in the top four.

Weaver said that his side needed to focus now on what Cairns are doing well and work to execute against that.

Australian Associated Press