Despite remaining on top of the ladder, Gaze did not mince words after his side were shocked 94-86 against the Illawarra Hawks at home on Sunday.

"We let one slip," Gaze said of the surprise loss to the Kings' NSW rivals.

"They're the types of games that can come back to haunt you, particularly when you look at our schedule that lies ahead - it is very challenging."

The Kings missed the chance to build on the league's best record with five rounds to play but it was the nature of the defeat, rather than the timing, that frustrated their coach.

"We have got a lot of work to do - we were exposed, we feel a little embarrassed and we've got to make sure we continue to work to not let that happen again," Gaze said.

Lacking their usual energy and focus, the Kings were no match for a committed Hawks outfit that took full advantage in the middle stages of the match.

With league MVP favourite Andrew Bogut in foul trouble, the Kings opted for a smaller line-up in the third quarter but it made little difference as Illawarra's lead blew out to 21 points.

"The disappointing thing is when we tried to make some adjustments, it had very little difference," Gaze said.

"Your ability to recognise something to make a change or have a reaction - we didn't have the reaction we were looking for."

While Gaze gave Illawarra full credit for their performance, he was also critical of his team's defensive output against the Hawks' perimeter shooters.

"I thought they came out here as they should - a desperate team, desperately trying to work their way into the finals," he said.

"Everyone seemed to be connected and on the same page but most importantly, they were hitting shots.

"But they were hitting shots because our defence was nowhere near, not even in the same stratosphere, of where it has been or where it needs to be."

Rookie Emmett Naar was the catalyst in the Hawks' win, playing his role to perfection to tally a career-high 18 points.

Australian Associated Press