The Adelaide 36ers are preparing to bounce back as they face the Perth Wildcats this Saturday at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Following their recent defeat against the Brisbane Bullets, where they fell 111-90 on Christmas Eve, the 36ers are eager to regain momentum and consistency.
Head coach Mike Wells knows the importance of this matchup, especially after both teams are coming off disappointing losses. Perth lost to the Illawarra Hawks 120-88, leading both sides to seek redemption. The 36ers will have their work cut out for them, particularly focusing on containing the Wildcats' star player, Bryce Cotton.
Cotton, who has been on fire recently, recently achieved notable feats, including scoring 49 points against the 36ers earlier this month. He has averaged 41 points per game over his last five outings, amassing 205 points overall. Yet, he had an unusually low performance with only 13 points against the Hawks. This inconsistency could present the 36ers with both challenges and opportunities.
DJ Vasiljevic, returning as captain for the match, expressed the urgency for the team to improve their defense. “The mood wasn’t great (after the Bullets loss), everyone is over losing,” he said, reinforcing the team's need to adapt their approach. Vasiljevic emphasized, “We have to lock in defensively if we want to make a run.” The 36ers rank poorly, having allowed over 105 points per game, showcasing the need for stronger defensive strategies.
Wells remarked about his Christmas preparations, stating simply, “Watching Perth,” indicating his focus on studying their recent games. He aims to implement adjustments to bolster the team’s defensive efforts and prepare them for the matchup.
Vasiljevic, who missed the last five games due to injury, returned to the squad eager to contribute. “I was sick of sitting there watching, I want to be out there,” he noted, vowing to add shooting threats to the floor. His return promises to bolster the team's offensive capabilities as he can stretch defenses, opening up opportunities for others.
The game against Perth is particularly important, with it marking the tenth consecutive sellout at the Entertainment Centre this season. Vasiljevic pointed out, “The effort, the energy, the rebounding, it all starts with us.” Success will heavily rely on how well the team performs both offensively and defensively.
Key statistics reveal how the 36ers have performed against the Wildcats historically. Of the 157 games played, the 36ers have won 69 and lost to the Wildcats 88 times. This scenario highlights the challenge they face but also the potential for this game to be pivotal for the rest of the season.
Notable players to watch include Kendric Davis, who has scored over 20 points for five consecutive matches, and Montrezl Harrell, who ranks fifth overall for rebounds per game. Both players will play significant roles if the 36ers are to emerge victorious.
The Wildcats, too, are not to be underestimated. They have averaged over 100 points per game, showcasing their offensive firepower. Head coach Wells will need to be strategic, perhaps employing multiple defenders to manage Cotton’s influence on the court and ensuring to stifle supporting players like Dylan Windler and Elijah Pepper, who can shoot accurately from three-point range.
Looking forward, the matchup isn’t solely about shutting down Cotton. It’s also about slowing down the entire Wildcats offense, aided by returning player Keanu Pinder. Pinder’s presence adds size and agility inside, adding another layer of complexity for the 36ers’ defense.
With only twelve matches remaining this season, the stakes are high. The 36ers must improve their defensive efforts and revitalize their offensive flow to augment their chances for postseason success. The matchup against the Wildcats will not only be about the standings but also about team pride and determination.
All eyes will be on the court this Saturday at 7:30 PM ACST as the Adelaide 36ers look to make their stand against the Perth Wildcats, and remedy their recent losses with determination and teamwork.