After a slow start to the game from the home team, the Wildcats eventually found their mojo and handed Sydney their 21st loss of the season.
How great are the Perth Wildcats?! Seriously.
This great: They have just locked in their 30th consecutive finals campaign, making them THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONAL SPORTING TEAM IN THE WORLD! They equalled the international record last year of 29 consecutive play-off appearances, set by the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League, and have now lifted the global record to 30. Amazing!
I am still in shock at what a huge achievement that is. The most successful sporting team in the world comes from little, old Perth. Who would have thought?! #Proud
And on the other hand… Worst. Season. Ever… For the Kings. Sydney received their 21st loss to the Wildcats on Friday night making it the worst season the club has ever had.
The Wildcats came into Friday night’s game minus their star import Casey Prather, who was ruled out with hamstring tightness. Big man Tom Jervis stepped up in Prather’s absence, dominating up and down the court and finished on 23 points and 13 rebounds.
Sydney kept the Cats to a 0-11 score in the first quarter and had the #RedArmy a little worried early. Coach Trevor Gleeson subbed his entire bench into the game after about 2 minutes in an attempt to get things going, which paid off in a big way. Jesse Wagstaff got the ball rolling for the Wildcats with a much needed 3 and the team stepped up from there on in.
The Tom and Jesse show took over for the Wildcats with Tom (Jervis) having a career- best night of 23 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 big blocks to ice it off. Jesse (Wagstaff) also finished on 23 points, which included 5 three-pointers, and 9 rebounds.
An interesting stat from the game was that the Wildcats bench scored a career high 59 points and 31 rebounds between them! That just shows how much depth the side really has. Another interesting stat was that Jermaine “Dolla” Beal was held scoreless for the match, which is very uncharacteristic for him. We still have no answers as to why he was a non-factor in the game however coach Trevor Gleeson said they should have responses throughout the week.
Josh Childress kept the Sydney Kings afloat with a game-high 30 points, which wasn’t enough in the end with the Wildcats taking the win by 14 points.
The Wildcats take on Sydney again at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on Wednesday the 10th of February at 4.30pm.
Show your support for the most successful sporting team in the world at @PerthWildcats #RedArmy.
