Basketball: Kings' import Powell adjusting to officiating

Josh Powell of the Kings speaks to team mates against the Illawarra Hawks. Photo / Getty Images

Sydney Kings star import Josh Powell admits he still needs time to adjust to the officiating in the NBL after an eventful start to his stint in Australia.

Powell's Kings are early leaders after winning two of three games and are readying for the fifth-placed New Zealand Breakers (1-1) in Auckland on Thursday.

Powell was perfect from the field on his way to 16 points and eight rebounds on debut against Illawarra, however he fouled out in 22 minutes.

He then scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds in 16 minutes against Cairns before being benched for an unsportsmanlike foul on Taipans forward Mark Worthington.

Powell shoved the former Boomer after picking up an offensive foul in the fourth quarter of a physical encounter that included Kevin Lisch failing to finish the game due to concussion.

"It might look as though I lost my cool, but I'm good," Powell told AAP.

"I do understand that people are going to do things and try and get you upset, or get you mentally out of the game. For me, I'm always locked in. It was just one of those moments."

The former Los Angeles Laker said he is well-equipped to handle being a target for both opposition players and referees, having now played in eight different countries over his career.

He welcomed the challenge of fighting fire with fire should referees not make calls.