Wildcats focused on converting turnovers to points

The Perth Wildcats will focus on turning defence into offence when they take on the South East Melburne Phoenix on Thursday.

Despite holding Melbourne United 75 points on Sunday, the reigning champions were unable to capitilise.

But coach Trevor Gleeson said the energy on defence was pleasing.

“We created a lot of turnovers, but we didn’t turn those turnovers into points,” he said.

“When you get a really good defensive team that’s what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to get the ball and hurt other teams with it.

“I thought we let Melbourne United off the hook with those things.”

Gleeson believes more time spent on the training court will help with this.

“It’s just being regular. Now we can put a program in place and get a ball in our hands, and have a chance to do some extra work with a couple of guys,” he said.

“The biggest thing in basketball is, if you don’t touch a basketball for five days, it’s noticeable. It’s like a professional musician, a pianist or opera singer. If they don’t practice they sound out of tune.”

Thursday’s game is the Wildcats third against South East Melbourne in a short space of time, with the two sides splitting their previous contests at RAC Arena.

Both contests went down to the wire, with a point separating the teams in the dying minutes of each game.

The stars led the way in those games with Bryce Cotton averaging 29.5 against the Phoenix, and Mitch Creek 20.5 against Perth.

Trevor Gleeson will coach the Perth Wildcats for the 231^st time on Thursday, which will set a new club record.

Tip-off is at 4.30pm WA time.

Watch live on ESPN or SBS On Demand.