Wildcats Prove Their Will to Win

The Perth Wildcats are crawling up the ladder at the most vital point of the season after Tuesday night’s 93-90 win over the New Zealand Breakers.

Perth started the game outside of the top six but the win has lifted them to fifth place, as the race for playoff spots heats up.

Wildcats coach John Rillie applauded the team’s effort in Tuesday night’s game, and his main concern now is to recreate that performance.

“We know our own destiny as far as the ladder,” Rillie said.

“It’s about us recreating our performance tonight and pushing forward.

“Everyone talks about winning, but how many people really want to win?

“Tonight you saw a team that really wanted to win, getting on the floor, deflections, talking, asking questions, the communication was at a great level. Everyone in this room wants to win in some way.

“Everyone who is successful is prepared to go a little further, and do the things that are uncomfortable to do, and it’s not easy but we showed that tonight.

“Our guys – Corey Webster getting on the ground, those little things we’ve been talking about and we try to highlight coming to fruition, that’s the kind of plays and style that excites me. We hung with it. What a great emotional win for us.”

Import forward TaShawn Thomas imposed himself with 23 points and 10 rebounds. A full team effort also saw the ‘Cats dominate the fourth quarter, outscoring the Breakers 26-18.

Rillie praised Thomas’s progress throughout the season.

“You can see like tonight he scored heavily, he took advantage of the match-up. It’s not just his scoring, it’s his talking on defence, his rebounding, making great little plays screens for Corey or Bryce,” Rillie said.

“He brings so much other stuff to the team which helps us win basketball games.”

Rillie was also impressed with Bryce Cotton, who had an impact on the game despite scoring just 14 points.

“His value, you can’t measure it when he’s out on the floor,” he said.

“Is it comforting that we can win when Bryce has what we consider a below Bryce Cotton game, absolutely.”

The Wildcats play the Adelaide 36ers on Saturday at 8:00pm AEDT in the first open air game at RAC Arena.