The Perth Wildcats are gearing up to deliver a memorable late Christmas gift to their passionate fans, the Red Army, with a pivotal clash against the Adelaide 36ers this Sunday in the heart of Adelaide. As they embark on the challenging second leg of a five-game road stretch, the Wildcats are looking to maintain their robust performance on the road.
Fresh off a solid showing in Hobart, where they demonstrated strong control and execution, the Wildcats are poised to take on a 36ers team that has proven competitive. In their earlier encounter this season, the two sides engaged in a thrilling contest filled with 35 lead changes and 14 ties, before the Wildcats ultimately asserted their dominance in the final quarter, limiting the 36ers to just 11 points.
Having had a full week to prepare following their victory over Tasmania, the Wildcats are capitalizing on recovery time, which has historically worked in their favor on the road. With six consecutive wins away from home when afforded extra rest, Perth is looking to leverage their preparation and execution skills against Adelaide.
Head coach John Rillie reflected on their previous meeting with a sense of determination, emphasizing the lessons learned from that game. He noted, “We feel like that’s one that got away. There were moments throughout the game where we didn’t capitalize, and those moments add up.” Since then, the team has found consistency, having fielded the same starting five for nine consecutive games — the longest current streak in the league.
Rillie views this upcoming road trip as an opportunity for growth. “We’re on the road for four games, so it’s a good opportunity for us to keep building, stay connected and keep improving for the full 40 minutes against Adelaide,” he said. As the Wildcats continue to hone their performance, Kristian Doolittle stands out, coming off a remarkable 30-point performance, poised to make a significant impact once more.
Additionally, Perth has historically flourished at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, having secured nine wins in their last 13 games at the venue. This trend further bolsters the team’s confidence as they gear up for the significant matchup.
In terms of roster updates, Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff, Ben Henshall, and Dylan Windler are all set to participate in the game. However, Dontae Russo-Nance has been ruled out due to illness, with Cam Huefner stepping in to fill the gap.
The Perth Wildcats are not only striving for victory but also cultivating a sense of unity and momentum as they move deeper into the season. Their performance on the road this Sunday against the 36ers will be crucial as they look to continue their upward trajectory in the league.