RULE NUMBER ONE: Never underestimate the Perth Wildcats!
To all the people who wrote off the Perth Wildcats this season – feel free to jump back on the band wagon! The reigning champs powered their way into the 2017 NBL Grand Final after another impressive win over the Cairns Taipans on Monday night. The Cats won Game Two by a narrow eight points, after beating the Taipans by 22 points in Game One. The atmosphere in The Jungle (Perth Arena) was absolutely electric, the #RedArmy showed incredible commitment packing out the Arena on a week night!
The Wildcats were at their defensive best, limiting the Taipans to just 22 points at half time, and their third lowest full time score this season. Despite Cairns managing to keep Cats hero Bryce Cotton fairly quiet, they could not convert their efforts on the offensive end to make their shots count on the scoreboard.
Check out the game highlights below:
Jesse Wagstaff took the three-point reins from Cotton, nailing five from outside the arc and finishing on an equal season-high 20 points. Skipper Damian Martin was inspirational as always for the Cats with six points (two three-pointers), four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Casey Prather put his skills on show, finishing on 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
This will be the sixth Grand Final appearance for the Wildcats in eight years, and their 13th in club history!
2017 NBL Grand Final Information
The 2017 NBL Grand Final will be a best-of-five game series. The dates are as follows:
Game One: 26 or 27 February
Game Two: Thursday 2 March
Game Three: Sunday 5 March
Game Four: Friday 10 March*
Game Five: Sunday 12 March*
If Adelaide beat Illawarra, Game One, Three and Five (if required) will be in Adelaide, as the 36ers will take the home court advantage. Game Two and Four (if required) will be at Perth Arena.
If Illawarra beat Adelaide, the Wildcats will hold the home court advantage over the Hawks.
Tickets go on sale 9am THURSDAY 23 FEBRUARY – Don’t miss out!
Show your support for the Perth Wildcats at @PerthWildcats #RedArmy
