DrinkWise game preview - play-offs game one: Wildcats v JackJumpers

After a three-and-a-half week break, the Wildcats’ finals campaign finally kicks off with a best-of-three series against Tasmania, starting at RAC Arena on Friday night.

Other than Bryce Cotton, who took out his fourth Andrew Gaze Trophy, no Wildcat won an award at the recent NBL MVP Awards, despite the team finishing second on the ladder.

Next Star Alex Sarr was the only other Wildcats player to earn a nomination, overlooked for the Next Generation Award in favour of Illawarra big man Sam Froling.

“This is the greatest stage to make a statement. I listen to these experts. It’s like a Rec League team playing the All-Stars. It’s a great stage for us to go out there and prove who we are and what we’re about,” Rillie said.

Rillie said while he expected Cotton, who will make his return from a knee injury in game one, to go to another level in play-offs like usual, there were plenty of other guys primed for a big series.

“For sure but then we have a bunch of guys who are very prideful and I can go down the list,” he said.

“Hyrum Harris… it’s the first time he’s made the play-offs so he’s got a nice edge about being here for the first time.

“Kristian Doolittle has won and been successful throughout his career, Corey Webster, Jesse Wagstaff (have both won multiple NBL titles), Tai Webster is trying to probably nullify the perception of him as a player and as a person.

“These are the stages that allow guys to change their course in history.”

Rillie credited the JackJumpers on being a quality team and knows the Wildcats need to be smart and disciplined to prevail.

“The key to beating them is being smart in our approach,” he explained.

“They pray on your mistakes so we need to be disciplined and just smart with our approach.

“Over the last week, the way we’ve dialled into our game plan has been very good.”

Hyrum Harris, who will make his NBL finals debut on Friday night, believes rebounding will be the difference between winning and losing the series.

“It’ll be the difference maker,” Harris said.

“It’s extra possessions or even just closing out defensive possession, securing that rebound and then pushing the ball. Rebounding will be a huge key for us trying to win this series against Tasmania.”

Game details

Who: Perth Wildcats vs Tasmania JackJumpers

When: 6.30pm WST Friday 8 March

Where: RAC Arena

Watch: Live and Free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies | 10 Peach & 10 Play

Opposition watch

Tasmania has been one of the form teams of the competition during the back-end of the season, climbing to third on the ladder before knocking off Illawarra in last week’s seeding clash.

Will Magnay and Jack McVeigh led the JackJumpers to a big win over Illawarra to book their semi-final spot.

Former Wildcats sharpshooter Clint Steindl will be a game-day decision after a back issue at practice.

Import Marcus Lee has travelled with the team to Perth as he looks to prove his fitness following a shoulder injury early in last week’s win over the Hawks.

Last time they met

The Wildcats’ last game of the regular season was against the JackJumpers in Hobart, resulting in a heavy loss.

It’s hard to gage to much from it, given Bryce Cotton didn’t play due to a knee issue and several other starters was used sparingly.

Perth still hold a 2-1 record over Tassie this season, with the home team winning all three clashes.