Wildcats defeated by hot-shooting Kings

Details
Perth Wildcats 80 defeated by Sydney Kings 102
RAC Arena
Box Score
26 March 2022

Summary
The Perth Wildcats gave up 35 points in the opening quarter, leading to their worst quarter time deficit at RAC Arena. While the rest of the game was relatively competitive, the early Sydney lead was too much to overcome. Sydney shot the lights out all night, while Perth uncharacteristically struggled from long range – putting any opportunity for a comeback out of the question. The Wildcats were without Mitch Norton and Michael Frazier II.

Reaction
Scott Morrison on team mentality
“We have to really approach the game like we’re the underdog, by that I mean putting more emphasis on execution and our effort, and our connectivity on defence especially, to try and be the most efficient team possible.”

Scott Morrison on locker room atmosphere
“Everyone in there is pretty disappointed. Everyone’s dejected, everyone’s down. I’m not sure it’s a bad thing because we have to change our behaviours, and if you think everything is a one-off situation then you’re probably not going to make an effort to change.”

Player focus
Luke Travers did his draft stock no harm with a 20-point, eight-rebound, two-steal performance. Bryce Cotton had 20 while Vic Law had another double-double.

Key stats and facts
Sydney shot 15 of 30 from long range, while Perth hit 17% of their attempts. With the exemption of steals, the Kings won every major statistical category. It was their biggest ever win in Perth.

Next game
The Perth Wildcats take on Melbourne on Monday 4 April.