For the second time in as many games, the Hawks fell behind by a big margin (22) after a dismal opening quarter before making the score more respectable with an improved second-half effort.

But they were never seriously in the hunt, failing to cope with the hulking presence of giant Kings centre Andrew Bogut, who played his best game of the season with 21 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals.

Illawarra are seventh on the NBL ladder with a 2-4 record.

"We talked about being on the road that we have to be the aggressor and we were on the back foot right from the start, so it's like in one ear and out the other," Beveridge said.

"Our guys mentally just aren't ready to play. There has to be some change and some real accountability and I have to show these guys they're not ready to play right now.

"People say 'what a great fightback', but can you imagine if we did that for a full game. We'd be pretty damn good, and that's the frustrating thing.

"We're not here just to fight hard and get a pat on the back. We should be fighting the whole 40 minutes and not just 20 or 25 minutes. It's incredibly frustrating."

Bogut is known more for his defence, leading the NBA in blocks in 2011 when he was the starting centre with the Golden State Warriors.

Against the Hawks he showcased his rarely seen offensive repertoire, on two separate occasions using a behind-the-back dribble before finishing both moves with thunderous dunks.

"It was pretty impressive," Kings coach Andrew Gaze said.

"Some of the stuff that was going on - the behind the back, down the middle left-handed hellacious dunk - it was quite extraordinary.

"That was a very, very impressive display by a very, very talented individual."

Beveridge agreed.

"How good was Bogut," he said.

"He totally intimidated us. He's an incredible player."

Australian Associated Press