Wildcats drop crucial game to Cairns

Game details

Perth Wildcats 71 defeated by Cairns Taipans 84

RAC Arena

Box Score

3 February 2023

Summary

The Perth Wildcats have suffered a 71-84 defeat to the Cairn Taipans at RAC Arena. It was an important game for Perth, with now just one game left in the regular season and the race to make the play-offs fiercer than ever. The home side started slow out of the gate, with the sharp-shooting Taipans staying in control from then on out. Bryce Cotton managed a game-high 28 points, with TaShawn Thomas finishing with 23 points. Bul Kuol stood out for Cairns with 15 points and 9 rebounds.

Reaction

John Rillie shared his thoughts post-game.

“There is certainly a trend with the way we’ve started a game and our application to rebounding,” he said.

“That was significant tonight, I think it was 17 to 6 in the first quarter so we just couldn’t get in the rhythm of the game, give them credit for doing a great job of controlling that part of the game.

“We did a good job of fighting back and bringing some life into it all, but maybe we spent too much energy in the tank, but I felt like we let the scoreboard dictate it instead of just letting our play evolve through good play, and then the scoreboard takes care of itself when you’re playing well.”

Player focus

Bryce Cotton managed a game-high 28 points, a career-high 13 rebounds and 7 assists.

Next game

Perth Wildcats face Sydney Kings at RAC Arena on Sunday, tip-off at 1pm WST.