Sydney Kings prove no match for defending champions Perth Wildcats in one-sided contest
Perth Wildcats showed little respect for Sydney’s NBL table-topping status as the defending champions took apart the Kings on the back of a record-breaking first-half surge on Friday night.
Basketball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Basketball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Perth Wildcats gave a reminder of why they are the reigning NBL champions, with a special performance against the Sydney Kings at RAC Arena on Friday.
On their way to a 96-77 win, they produced the best opening half of any side in the 40-minute era.
They led the runaway competition leaders by an amazing 70-45 at the main break; 40 of them coming in an incredible second quarter.
Live stream selected games of the 2019/20 NBL Season with ESPN on KAYO with your TV, Mobile, Tablet or Laptop. Get your 14 day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson was more interested in how his side scored, not how much.
“It’s never been a thought process of how many points you score; it’s how you score collectively together,” Gleeson said.
“We didn’t settle for jump shots against them like we did before, we got in the paint and our offence was ticking.
“And our defence was great. (Damian Martin) was outstanding on Casper (Ware).
“Casper hit the first two threes of the game and then after that he’s gone one of 15.”
Coming off two consecutive losses, Bryce Cotton lead an emphatic charge to hand the Kings just their second defeat for the season.
He scored the first seven points and the last four of that amazing second term to go in to the break with 20 to his name on his way to 27 for the match.
Not even the reigning competition MVP and best defensive player, Andrew Bogut, could curb the home side’s momentum.
He tried, knocking down eight of his 10-opening quarter points in a terrific two-minute spurt just before the end of the term to see the Kings trail by just three.
But he was stranded on the same tally at three-quarter time and finished with 12 and eight rebounds.
The Cats continued to drive to the key and stop just short of him before shooting, scoring 42 points from the paint.
The Wildcats dominated the boards, too. Nick Kay returned to his best, with a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Dario Hunt answered some of his critics, too.
Left on the bench to start the game, the import finished with 11 boards.
For the Kings, who have averaged 95 points per game this season, Casper Ware top-scored with just 13 points.