Wildcats win a thriller to clinch spot in play-in tournament

Game details

Perth Wildcats 96 defeat Sydney Kings 84

RAC Arena

Box Score

5 February 2023

Summary

The Perth Wildcats have pulled off an unbelievable feat at RAC Arena, defeating Sydney Kings by 12 points to secure their spot in the play-in tournament. Wildcats needed to beat Sydney by 11 points or more to book their place in the post-season, and got the job done in an absolute thriller in front of over 12,000 ecstatic fans. Corey Webster finished with a game-high 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Luke Travers managed 22 points and Brady Manek had 21 points. Dejan Vasiljevic was Sydney’s best, finishing 18 points.

Reaction

John Rillie shared his thoughts after tonight’s huge win.

“I’m going to say our bandwagon will be pretty full right now,” he said.

“When we were five and seven, lost five in a row, there was only a room full of guys who believed.

“So that’s what I’m most proud of about this team, and it came down to the wire, we made it, so let’s go and win it.”

Player focus

Luke Travers was outstanding at both ends of the floor, finishing with his second career double-double of 22 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists.

Next game

Perth Wildcats face South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday 9 February at John Cain Arena, tip-off at 3:30pm WST.