NBL26 Playoffs DrinkWise Game 2 Preview: Wildcats vs Kings

The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena on Saturday night with their season on the line, as they host the Sydney Kings in Game 2 of the NBL26 Playoff series.

After pushing the Kings to the brink in a dramatic Game 1 in Sydney, the Wildcats will now look to respond in front of the Red Army and level the series in The Jungle. 

Perth fell just short in a thrilling 105–104 contest at Qudos Bank Arena, with the lead changing hands throughout the night before Sydney escaped with the narrow win in the closing seconds.

Despite the result, Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie believes there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.

“There was a lot of good, but there were just some certain moments in the game that we need to tighten up,” Rillie said.

“If we do that, I’m confident the result can swing into our favour.”

Game 1 saw the Wildcats show strong form on both ends of the floor, with Kristian Doolittle leading the charge while key contributions came from Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., Dylan Windler, Elijah Pepper and David Duke Jr.

Doolittle delivered an influential all around performance, while Windler and Pepper provided perimeter scoring and Lual-Acuil Jr. controlled the paint at key moments throughout the contest.

Perth also generated a number of quality opportunities late in the game, including the final possession where the Wildcats had a chance to steal the win.

Attention has now quickly shifted to Game 2, with the Wildcats focused on delivering their best basketball when it matters most.

“I don’t think Sydney saw us at our best during the season and I don’t think they saw us at our best the other night either. We just need to keep pushing to perform at that level.”

With their season on the line, the Wildcats will again lean on the resilience that has defined their campaign.

“We’ve done a tremendous job with our backs against the wall of fighting for another day,” Rillie said.

“I don’t expect anything different tomorrow.”

Backed by the Red Army and one of the toughest home court environments in the league, Perth will be aiming to produce the response needed to keep their championship push alive.

Game 2 tips off at RAC Arena on Saturday night.

THE HUNGRY JACK'S NBL26 PLAYOFFS
Perth Wildcats v Sydney Kings
Saturday, 14 March
5:00pm AWST
RAC Arena

NBL26 FINALS. BUILT TO BE HERE.