IN a match that had massive implications on the ladder, a brilliant team effort by the Perth Wildcats, led by Bryce Cotton and Jordan Usher helped them charge towards the finals in the National Basketball League (NBL) on Sunday afternoon.

The Wildcats defeated the Kings by six points in a highly anticipated clash, furthering their claims as the in-form team of the NBL heading into the postseason.

Perth Wildcats (104) def. Sydney Kings (98)

Perth started the game strongly, running with pace and making its opportunities count from the free throw line, shooting 10/11 from the charity stripe, 6/8 from two point range and 4/8 from three-point land, taking a 14-point lead at quarter time.

The Kings found their scoring range, going on a 7-0 scoring run. The Wildcats continued to find their spota from two-point range, finishing the half at 9/14. The Kings still won the second quarter, 37-24, whilst it was the Wildcats that maintained a one-point lead at half time.

Both teams were even in the third quarter, with the Wildcats winning the quarter, 22-21. Whilst a 10-4 scoring run by the Wildcats, turnovers hurt the Kings in the last quarter and overall throughout the match, 13-8. The Wildcats came up with clutch plays defensively, won the last term 14-11, as the Wildcats gridded out a six-point victory.

In a team collective effort for the Wildcats, Cotton, Usher and Tai Webster all played their roles, nailing shots from anywhere around the perimeter, opening up plays for others and excelling inside the paint.

Cotton finished as the top scorer, scoring 29 points, four steals, three assists and two rebounds, shooting 11/13 from the free throw line at 85 per cent.

Cotton opened up some of his other teammates who contributed in the team win. The likes of Usher (24 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal), Webster (16 points, five assists, three rebounds, three assists) bot excelled, while Hyrum Harris and Keanu Pinder also played a role in the team’s victory.