Perth hoping to go extra Miles against Snakes in NBL finals

The reigning champion Perth Wildcats believe they have an x-factor needed to advance past Cairns in the NBL semi-finals.

Miles Plumlee of the Wildcats is introduced before the Round 19 NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and Brisbane Bullets at RAC Arena in Perth, Sunday, February 9, 2020. (AAP Image/Gary Day)

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The Perth Wildcats believe the inclusion of former NBA big man Miles Plumlee will be the x-factor they need to advance past Cairns in the NBL semi-finals.

The Snakes won the season series against the defending champions 2-1 in NBL 2019-20, but all three of the meetings between the two clubs occurred before Plumlee landed in Australia.

Plumlee, who spent almost a decade in the NBA, replaced struggling import centre Dario Hunt mid-season.

With six wins from their past seven games since Plumlee joined the team, Perth skipper Damian Martin says the imposing centre will be key against the Snakes.

In a scary prospect for the rest of the NBL finalists, Martin thinks Plumlee’s best performances are still ahead of him.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 09: Miles Plumlee of the Wildcats looks to pass the ball during the round 19 NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and the Brisbane Bullets at RAC Arena on February 09, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“We have got someone who can match-up with Cairns’s big guys, as well as Majok Majok; we are really happy with who we have got at the five spot,” Martin said from the NBL’s launch on Monday morning.

“Miles adds the extra bit of height and gives us a different look, throwing lobs or giving him space to work under the basket.

“His best basketball is still to come for us.

“He has seven games under his belt now and I think he is comfortable about what it means to be a Wildcats player; he is an amazing player and a great teammate.

“Hopefully it all can click against Cairns.”

Martin, regarded as one of the best defenders in NBL history, described Plumlee as an excellent defensive player, who can genuinely switch through all five positions.

Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson is happy with the form his club take into the playoffs.

“You want momentum going into the finals,” Gleeson said.

Miles Plumlee of the Wildcats is seen during the Round 16 NBL match between the Perth Wildcats and the South East Melbourne Phoenix at RAC Arena in Perth, Friday, January 17, 2020. (AAP Image/Gary Day)

“In championships we’ve won in the past, we’ve gone through the last weekend playing great basketball.

“The times we have struggled, we didn’t finish the season well and got put out straight away.

“We’ve had four playoff-type games, tough, and that’s what you want. I couldn’t draw it up any better.”

Wildcats skipper Martin, who has battled with a heel injury for much of the season, says their scout for the three-game series starts and finishes with NBL MVP runner-up Scott Machado.

“There is a reason why he was first team all NBL and why he was Fans’ MVP, and why the Taipans are playing finals basketball,” Martin said.

“It is not just about the production he puts on the board, he also makes the four guys on the court better, he brings them into the game and gets them open looks in favourable positions so they can play to their strengths.

“He just makes his teammates better and they have been able to step up while he is out on the court.

“He has been fantastic this year and he is a huge part of what they will do in the post-season against us.”

Originally published as Perth hoping to go extra Miles against Snakes in NBL finals