Unstoppable Cotton “Best Outside NBA”

The old saying “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” couldn’t be more fitting for superstar Bryce Cotton. 

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Since the Perth Wildcats dropped to five wins and seven losses at the midway point of the season, Cotton has simply gone to another level.

The three-time NBL MVP sensed the moment, and took it upon himself to lift his team.

In the past 11 games, he’s averaged 27.5 points ... King Cotton’s class has come to the fore as the Wildcats have surged back into finals contention.

Bryce Cotton put on a ?????? in last night's win over Illawarra ? Re-live the best bits here, thanks to Hungry Jack's ? pic.twitter.com/9pTTYES83g

— NBL (@NBL) January 27, 2023

With three games left, they’re now fourth on the ladder, and their main man has played a huge role in the turnaround. 

So when Perth steps into MyState Bank Arena on Sunday to face the JackJumpers, and with finals on the line, all eyes will be on one man. 

“They’ve got the best player in the world that’s not in the NBA,” Tasmania coach Scott Roth said of Cotton. 

“When they walk on the floor (with Cotton), they have a giant chance to beat you every single time.”

Coach Rillie was full of praise for Bryce Cotton and his performance tonight. Full presser: https://t.co/sv0qihVyS2 pic.twitter.com/gXPy8gLxNK

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) January 27, 2023

The JackJumpers have been able to minimise Cotton’s influence in two outings this season. He hit just 14 points as they smashed the Wildcats by 31 points in Round 4 the same venue.

But Perth, and Cotton, are a very different prospect now. 

The 30-year-old knocked down 40 points against Illawarra on Friday night, and again looms as a potential game-winner on Sunday.  

Coach John Rillie was full of praise for one of the league's all-time greats. 

“He makes coaching look easy. It was a phenomenal performance,” he said after the win over the Hawks.  

“He understands the urgency at the point of the season where we’re at.

“He gives our team confidence too when they see him perform on that level.”

The Wildcats have bounced back from a shaky start to boast a 14-11 record. After missing finals action in NBL22, Cotton and co. are desperate to get back where they belong. 

“I was just so locked into wanting to win the game,” Cotton said after his 40-point masterclass. 

Tasmania and Perth face off on Sunday at MyState Bank Arena, with tip off at 2pm AEDT. Watch it live and free on 10 Peach and 10 play, with all games available live on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.