Perth Wildcats secured a narrow victory against the New Zealand Breakers, defeating them 96-86 at Spark Arena on January 5, 2025. The game was marked by intense competition, with MVP favorite Bryce Cotton delivering an exceptional performance by scoring 41 points.
The match started with the Breakers showing promise as Tacko Fall, one of their key imports, scored 21 points in the first half, overall ending the game with 28 points. Fall’s scoring was complemented by teammate Matt Mooney, who emerged as a significant threat with 17 points during the explosive third quarter.
The game reached its decisive moments early in the fourth quarter, where the score was tied at 74-74. It was then Cotton took control, pouring in 16 points, which was pivotal for the Wildcats as they pulled away to secure the win. Cotton’s ability to deliver during crunch time has become his signature; he indicated, “It was a back and forth game. They made big shots but I just wanted to lock in and try to make the right plays, whether it was making a pass or taking a shot. It allcomes down to fitness. We all play hard.”
With the Wildcats improving their record to 12-9, they continue to thrive on the road, now boasting 4 wins out of their last five games on this seven-match road trip. Cotton's performance has been noteworthy, hitting the 40-point mark for the fifth time this season and reminding fans of the 59 points he scored the last time he faced the Breakers.
On the opposing side, the Breakers faced challenges and needed key players to step up, especially with Parker Jackson-Cartwright serving a five-match suspension. Both Fall and Mooney delivered strong performances, scoring 28 points each. Fall’s standout moments included several dunks early on, creating momentum for the Breakers as they established early leads.
At one point, the Breakers held onto the lead with firm footing, partly due to their impressive second-quarter efforts. Mooney's performance shone brightly when he scored 17 points during the third quarter, briefly allowing the Breakers to take the lead over the Wildcats.
Tragedy struck for the Breakers when Mooney was controversially fouled out of the game with only four minutes remaining, leaving the home crowd cheering for his contributions to the game. The call left both players and spectators perplexed. Mooney's incredulous reaction came as he attempted to protect the ball and alleviate pressure from the Wildcats' defense, and his absence left the Breakers scrambling for scoring options.
With high stakes and emotions running high, the Wildcats seized the opportunity to launch a decisive 14-5 run, fully capitalizing on the Breakers' mounting pressure and lack of scoring options. The win was particularly important for the Wildcats as they continue their pursuit of playoff positioning.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, the Breakers, now at 8-12 on the season, showed resilience and glimpses of potential, particularly showcased by the dynamic duo of Fall and Mooney. Their performances highlight the need for consistency and depth as the season carries on.
Looking forward, the Wildcats will need to maintain this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming matches, relying on Cotton to carry them through tight contests. Meanwhile, the Breakers will seek to regroup and strategize, hoping to capitalize on their strengths and overcome past inadequacies.
With the NBL season heating up, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and high-stakes showdowns as teams vie for the top positions. This match served as yet another reminder of the competitive nature of the league and the incredible talent each team possesses.