'Amazing': Cotton reflects on family reunion in Vegas

Cotton hit a game-high 40 points - including eight of 10 from outside the three-point arc - to bounce back from a rare quiet performance two nights earlier and lead the Wildcats to a 127-112 victory at Dollar Loan Center.

The three-time NBL MVP from Tuscon had more loved ones in the stands than any other game he's played for Perth, including his grandfather whose been starved of opportunities to see him live.

"It’s been a while since I’ve played American basketball. It felt good to get back to my roots," Cotton said.

"To have so much of my family from Tucson and then some people from the neighbourhood like close friends in there, it was amazing.

"My grandpa actually drove up and I don't think he ever saw me play any sport as a kid, so that was pretty cool to put on a performance for him."

After scoring just 12 points in the disappointing loss to the same opponent on Wednesday night, Cotton looked on from the get-go - and that's exactly how he felt.

“Ever since I was a little kid, if I hit my first shot in the game, it’s usually going to be a good one,” Cotton said.

Wildcats head coach John Rillie wasn't surprised by Cotton's performance in front of "half of Arizona".

"Bryce, that was a performance everyone is used to back home," Rillie said.

"I think he had half of Arizona here watching him, so he wanted to perform for his family."

The Wildcats leave the US on Sunday for the NBL Blitz tournament on the Gold Coast, taking on Cairns, Adelaide and New Zealand over a five-day period in the lead up to the NBL24.

NBL Blitz fixtures

Sunday 17 September @ 1.30pm WST – Perth Wildcats v Cairns Taipans

Tuesday 19 September @ 5.30pm WST – Perth Wildcats v Adelaide 36ers

Thursday 21 September @ 5.30pm WST – Perth Wildcats v New Zealand Breakers

All games will be streamed live and free on Kayo freebies.