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We’re making the call — this season, we believe the Wildcats have what it takes to clinch their 11th championship title. However, this success hinges on the performance of players beyond Bryce Cotton.
It’s widely acknowledged that the Perth Wildcats stand as the most successful and enduring team in NBL history. With a track record of consistent success spanning years, the Wildcats often find themselves as the primary target for other teams in the league, particularly those on the east coast, eager to challenge their dominance. Our first-round opponents, the Tasmania JackJumpers, are no exception to this trend.
Perth Wildcats v Tasmania JackJumpers
While the first two games won by the Wildcats were evenly poised, they were no match for a well-balanced JackJumpers side in the third and final game of the season. Without Bryce Cotton, after the first quarter, the Wildcats were outscored by 15 points and didn’t trouble the JackJumpers for the remaining part of the game.
Interesting to note, that in the entire season series, the Wildcats are yet to win the battle of the boards, conceding, on average, nine fewer than Tasmania. Even without Will Magnay playing in the first game of the season, they were able to win the count by seven.
Date: 29/9/23
Venue: RAC Arena
Perth Wildcats 101 def Tasmania JackJumpers 95
Date: 15/12/23
Venue: RAC Arena
Perth Wildcats 89 def Tasmania JackJumpers 88
Date: 17/02/24
Venue: MyState Bank Arena
Tasmania JackJumpers 86 def Perth Wildcats 72
Key Players
Who will be the most important players for each team’s success?
Perth Wildcats
Bryce Cotton
In the past, when the Wildcats’ Bryce Cotton performs well, the team typically secures victories. However, recent matchups, particularly against the Illawarra Hawks, have shown that aggressive defence and double-teaming strategies can limit his scoring output. Although Tasmania may lack the same defensive prowess as the Hawks, they could adopt a similar approach.
Nevertheless, Bryce Cotton is the reigning league MVP, and if he establishes his rhythm early in the game, with strong support from the enthusiastic home crowd, it could pose significant challenges for the JackJumpers. Scott Roth, a former Wildcats assistant coach, has even brought attention to Cotton’s ability to draw fouls, potentially influencing the referees’ decisions in the upcoming game.
Keanu Pinder
The Wildcats’ big man, who serves as their second scoring option, must assert his dominance from the outset. However, Pinder has struggled with foul trouble throughout the regular season, leading to extended periods on the bench. This disruption has undoubtedly affected his rhythm and performance. If Pinder can stay out of foul trouble and establish a strong presence in the paint, it will offer crucial inside/outside scoring options necessary for the Wildcats to secure victory tonight.
Tasmania JackJumpers
Jordon Crawford
The diminutive yet dynamic point guard has been a vital asset for the Tasmania JackJumpers this season, injecting much-needed playmaking into their lineup. Despite standing at just 168cm, his knack for making smart decisions and finding open teammates has propelled him to the ranks of the league’s premier guards in his debut NBL season. With impressive averages of 17 points and 3.5 assists per game, he poses a significant threat that the Wildcats must neutralise, particularly in the pick-and-roll plays alongside players like Will Magnay and Marcus Lee.
Will Magnay
Despite grappling with injuries this season, the JackJumpers’ big man remains a formidable force in the league. When fully fit, he ranks among the league’s elite players, showcasing his prowess particularly in rebounding, averaging an impressive 9 boards per game.
Additionally, his adept rim protection limits the Wildcats’ effectiveness in penetrating the paint. Should Magnay perform at his peak, he poses a significant challenge for the Wildcats’ forwards.
Most Important Performance Indicators For Perth Wildcats To Win
To secure a victory tonight, the Wildcats must focus on three key elements.
Firstly, they need to dictate the tempo of the game by capitalising on the JackJumpers’ mistakes and emphasising their own strengths.
Secondly, ball control is paramount. Both teams have been relatively even in turnovers throughout the season series, but the Wildcats thrive on capitalising on opponent errors. By minimising their own turnovers while pressuring the JackJumpers into mistakes, the Wildcats can capitalise on fast-break opportunities.
Lastly, for the Wildcats to succeed not just tonight but throughout the series, they require contributions from players beyond Bryce Cotton. Coach John Rillie’s impassioned remarks underscore the importance of recognizing the team’s collective effort. With Rillie’s vocal support providing added motivation, the Wildcats’ supporting cast must elevate their performances to assert themselves and make a statement to their opponents.
Series Prediction
We predict the Perth Wildcats will win both games at home to take the series 2-1.
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