Defence key to overcoming slow starts

The Perth Wildcats have turned their attention to focusing on sluggish first quarters.

Despite only dropping one of its last 11 games, the Wildcats have allowed its opponents to establish sizeable first quarter leads in recent games.

Perth have trailed at quarter times in five of its last six games, and on Tuesday only managed nine first quarter points.

Mitch Norton said it’s something the starting group needs to work on.

“Obviously no team wants to give the opposing team a head start like we have in the last couple of games,” said guard Mitch Norton.

“But I’m proud that we can stay the course and find adjustments quickly to gain back that lead.

“It’s something we’re definitely going to have to address, because it does take a lot of energy to try and claw your way back.”

Norton believes defences is the catalyst to locking in from the moment the ball goes up.

“Once we are able to get a couple of stops, we can get out and run, get some screens in transition and what not, I think that’s when we’re probably at our best instead of taking the ball out of the net and dribbling it up and setting up in the half court,” he said.

“I think it all does stem from the defence and you really do feel it quick when five guys are defending better on the same page. It’s a hell of a lot of fun.”

Despite the struggles, Perth remain in second spot on the NBL ladder on equal losses to first-placed Melbourne United – and for losses clear of third-placed South East Melbourne.

The Wildcats will lap up the opportunity to play in front of an RAC Arena without capacity restrictions this weekend with games against Illawarra on Friday and New Zealand on Sunday.

Tickets available here.