Wildcats Embrace NBL26 Finals Reset

The Hungry Jack's NBL26 Finals are here and Perth Wildcats depart for Melbourne to play Phoenix as one of the form team of the competition, winning 10 of their last 12 games to close out the regular season.

It has been a surge built on resolve and adaptability. Different opponents have required different solutions, and Perth has found ways to respond each time.

For Jesse Wagstaff, this is exactly where the group expects to be.

“This is why you play,” Wagstaff said. “Every team starts the season wanting a championship. To still be in the hunt at this time of year is a privilege.”

The late-season run has not followed a single script. According to Kristian Doolittle, that has been the most encouraging sign.

“Not every win looked the same,” Doolittle said. “We figured it out against different opponents, maintained our identity offensively and executed. When the shots are falling, we’re tough to beat.”

Doolittle’s own form has mirrored the team’s rise. After a steady opening stretch, his second half of the season placed him among the league’s most influential players.

“More film study. Extra shots. More work,” he said. “All the shots I was missing at the beginning of the year, I just repped them until I couldn’t miss them anymore.”

The work translated into results, earning Perth Wildcats MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, as well as All-NBL First Team honours and a third-place NBL MVP finish. Wagstaff sees the preparation behind the performance.

“You can see the work he does day in, day out,” Wagstaff said. “His versatility is what stands out. He can defend one through five in this league. Offensively, he’s a mismatch. Too strong for some, too quick for others. It’s nice to see him rewarded.”

Perth’s momentum has also been strengthened by the emergence of its young backcourt. Elijah Pepper’s perimeter scoring and Ben Henshall’s growth have added another dimension, particularly during key stretches of the campaign.

“They’re very important to our success,” Doolittle said. “For us to win a championship, they’ll have to have high contributions.”

Wagstaff has watched their progression closely.

“You forget how young they are,” he said. “Pep’s been phenomenal in recent weeks. He’s shooting at a high clip, but he’s doing the little things too. Rebounding, defending. They’re a vital piece of the puzzle.”

Now the focus shifts to the Seeding Qualifier against South East Melbourne. Regular season results offer context, but little comfort.

“The record means nothing right now,” Wagstaff said. “It’s a new season. Completely new territory.”

There is no sense of looking ahead despite the double chance on offer.

“We want to win the game we play,” Doolittle said. “We’re giving South East Melbourne all of our attention and all the effort it requires.”

On the eve of finals, the Wildcats carry confidence, but not complacency. Form has put them in position. Execution will determine what comes next and they are primmed and ready.

NBL26 Finals. BUILT TO BE HERE.