Wildcats edge out Kings for sixth win in a row

The blockbuster contest became a shootout between MVPs Bryce Cotton and Jaylen Adams, who both hit 29 points apiece.

Cotton and Adams went blow for blow in the final term, with scores tied on a couple of occasions, but the three-time MVP had the last laugh to help the Wildcats go a step closer to securing a top-two berth.

It was Perth's first win at Qudos Bank Arena under John Rillie.

Jordan Usher, who started for the second game in a row, was another impressive performer for the victors, finishing with 24 points – including 10 in the third term – to go with five assists and four rebounds.

Energetic guard Tai Webster continued his hot form, backing up his 20-point haul in Friday night’s home win over Brisbane with another 16 to go with five assists and three rebounds.

Kristian Doolittle (eight points and seven rebounds) made a successful return from concussion, hitting the game-sealing free throws in the final minute after reeling in some important boards.

The Wildcats hit their first three triples, including back-to-back ones from Usher and Cotton respectively, to open up a 13-4 advantage.

Doolittle entered the court late in the first quarter after being cleared to return pre-game.

Usher made the most of his starting chance, racking up eight points in as many minutes in the first.

Cotton capped of an 11-point opening term with his 5000th NBL point just before the buzzer as Perth stormed to a 34-20 lead.

Sydney cut the deficit back to single digits before consecutive baskets from the Wildcats with Keanu Pinder’s dunk coming on the back of a turnover.

A huge offensive rebound and put back from Usher had him joining Cotton in double digits, with the import dishing a perfect pass to Tai Webster soon after.

The Kings continued to make inroads and tied things at 54-apiece with 90 seconds left in the half before an important basket from Hyrum Harris in the paint.

Doolittle’s first points of the match, through a trademark mid-range jump shot, gave Perth a 58-57 advantage.

Usher’s standout game continued after the break, backing up a tough jumper with an and-one after drawing a foul on Angus Glover driving to the basket.

His clutch three in the final minute of the a 10-point third term snatched the lead back for Perth, with the score 80-78 with a quarter to play.

The Wildcats stretched their lead to eight midway through the last on the back of Cotton’s four-point play.

But Adams made sure the blockbuster clash was going to go down to the wire, hitting several shots before Perth held their nerve at the other end.

The Wildcats return home ahead of Thursday night's Member Recognition Round clash against Illwarra at RAC Arena.