Bryce Cotton runs riot as Perth Wildcats take 1-0 lead over Sydney Kings in best-of-five NBL grand final
Will Weaver doesn’t see the opening game defeat to Perth Wildcats as the death knell on Sydney Kings’ NBL title chances. But he knows his side must find a way to cool down the game’s best player.
Basketball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Basketball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
They might have lost home-court advantage in the NBL finals, but Sydney Kings coach Will Weaver insists drastic adjustments will not be necessary for game two.
The Kings’ quest to end a 15-year title drought got off to the worst possible start dropping game one 88-86 to defending champions Perth on Sunday.
Sydney led by four with six minutes remaining at Qudos Bank Arena but were outclassed down the stretch against a Wildcats outfit led by Bryce Cotton.
Watch LIVE coverage of the NBL Finals with ESPN on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Weaver is adamant little tactical tweaking will be required for the second game.
“The work the boys are doing for each other was successful and making their guys work for it - I think that’s evidenced by the final score,” Weaver said.
“The discouraging part is when you come out on the losers’ side of a close game.
“But I’m comfortable playing the last few minutes of that game a bunch and feeling like we come out happier rather than sadder most of the time.
“If anything it’s trying not to focus too much on that bit, and still learn what you need to learn from the 36-37 minutes prior.”
Weaver did admit that his troops need to keep their hands off Cotton, who drew seven fouls on his way to shooting a perfect eight-from-eight at the stripe.
The Kings threw half a dozen different defenders at the league MVP, none of whom were able to slow his scoring.
Cotton finished with a game-high 32 points.
“I thought that was a clinic on foul-drawing. He’s so clever and quick, and he navigates that space better than anybody,” Weaver said.
“So we’ll try and learn from that.”
Weaver went on to question whether Cotton can maintain his form for the rest of what is expected to be a fiercely fought five-game series.
The 27-year-old entered the match having averaged more than 38 minutes a game in the Wildcats’ gruelling semi-final series win over Cairns.
He played close to 36 in game one against the Kings.
“Over the course of the series, we’ll find out if he can keep that effort up. He’s certainly playing his butt off, as MVPs tend to do,” Weaver said.
“Are we going to change anything? Sure.
“But I wouldn’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater at this stage because we’re in a position down the stretch where you feel really good about your chances if just a couple of things bounce your way.”