'Doing unprecedented things': Skipper's praise for hot Cotton

Jesse Wagstaff has played more games than any other player in Perth Wildcats history.

But he’s never seen anything like teammate Bryce Cotton’s golden run of form this month as the four-time NBL MVP extended his historic 40-point stretch into a fourth game.

Cotton dropped 44 points as the Wildcats made it back-to-back road wins with a come-from-behind victory over Cairns on Saturday night.

It was a historic night for the club, scoring the most ever points in their 40-minute history with 128.

Cotton’s performance came after a record-breaking 59 points, 40 points and 49 points in the lead-up.

He’s only the third player in NBL history to record four 40-plus games in a row after Andrew Gaze and Al Green.

Wagstaff, who's in his 16th season in the NBL and nearing the 500-game mark, said his long-time teammate was doing “unprecedented things”.

“He’s doing unprecedented things and hopefully we can continue to find him the ball and get him in some great spots,” he said.

Import Dylan Windler said the most impressive part of Cotton’s game was his ability to find different ways to score.

Windler was another huge contributor for the Wildcats with 18 points - including a game-high five triples - to go with five assists, four rebounds and four steals.

“It’s fun to play with him and fun to watch. He’s scoring in a lot of different ways right now. That’s the most impressive,” Windler said.

Having fun out there! 😊

Dylan Windler spoke to the media post-game about what it’s like playing alongside Bryce Cotton rn.

Watch the full presser: https://t.co/CPP6q3HzuA pic.twitter.com/L8cwH1z4ix

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) December 15, 2024

“With his size, being able to take guys off the dribble, be creative and finish in the paint is impressive. His maturity to get off the ball when teams are doubling him, be patient and know the ball is going to come back to him - it’s fun playing with him.”

It comes as Taipans coach and former Wildcats assistant Adam Forde described Cotton as “too good for the NBL”.

“He doesn’t belong in this league,” Forde said.

“I’ll give Bryce credit. I’ve seen the contracts he’s knocked back earlier in his career. He’s amazing. He doesn’t belong in this league. He should be balling out somewhere else at a high level.”

The Wildcats are back on the road this week, taking on Illawarra Hawks at WIN Entertainment Centre on Sunday amid a seven-game away stretch.