Rillie pleased to see Pinder back in action

The two-time NBL Most Improved Player, who has returned to his home State after a stint with Cairns Taipans, Pinder started in his first game back from injury and had an immediate impact with a couple of early rebounds.

The imposing centre finished with five points and six rebounds from 13 minutes on court as the Wildcats split the two-game series against G-League Ignite at Dollar Loan Center with a 127-112 victory.

Rillie was excited about the twin towers combination of Pinder and fellow new Wildcats Alex Sarr in NBL24.

"His energy is contagious and he brings a great dynamic," Rillie said.

"For people that don't know him, he's like an all-NBL level player, like a top-10 guy and potential MVP candidate.

"You put him together with Sarr, he just gives us a different dynamic that you don't see too often in the NBL.

"It will be exciting to see where that combination gets to."

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.