DrinkWise Game Preview: Wildcats v Hawks

The Perth Wildcats return to RAC Arena on Thursday, 2 October, hosting the defending NBL Champions Illawarra Hawks in one of the most anticipated nights of the season, the Open Air Game in support of MSWA.

The fan-favourite event will once again see the roof open at RAC Arena, creating a unique atmosphere under the Perth night sky. Beyond the spectacle, the occasion also carries special meaning as the Wildcats partner with MSWA to shine a spotlight on the thousands of Western Australians living with neurological conditions.

Both teams enter the contest looking to build momentum in Round 3. The Wildcats are fresh off a fourth quarter comeback in New Zealand, rallying from 12 points down late in the game to defeat the Breakers 89–78.

Dylan Windler’s double-double, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr.’s power inside, along with clutch plays by Kristian Doolittle and Jaron Rillie, which highlighted a performance that showcased the Wildcats’ depth and resilience.

Illawarra arrive in Perth following a banner night at WIN Entertainment Centre, where they raised their 2024/25 Championship banner and welcomed NBA veteran Javale McGee to the league.

The seven-footer made an instant impact, pouring in 32 points with 13 rebounds and 3 blocks in his debut. Tyler Harvey remains a constant scoring threat with 19 points and 6 assists, while Todd Blanchfield and Biwali Bayles contributed valuable minutes.

Despite McGee’s dominance, the Hawks fell 91–86 to the Tasmania JackJumpers, unable to slow a late run from the visitors. Coach Justin Tatum’s group will be eager to respond.

Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie knows his side will need to be at their best, speaking with media ahead of the game, Rillie acknowledged the challenge his team faces with the Hawks’ marquee signing Javale McGee, a three-time NBA champion and Olympic gold medallist.

“He’s played at the highest level in the NBA, won championships, been on an Olympic gold medal team,” Rillie said.

“In this league he can have a massive impact at the offensive end when he’s really known for his defensive prowess. If he gets an angle to the rim, he’s a supreme athlete and tough to stop. For us it’s about pushing him off his spots and then locking in on their shooters, it’s pick your poison.”



Rillie is confident the Wildcats’ resilience and depth will hold them in good stead after last week’s stirring comeback win over the Breakers in New Zealand.

“The way we finished the game just showed what we recruited for in the off-season,” he explained. “We talk about our depth, different guys being prepared to step up in their moments. We were down 12 and wrestled it back into our favour. If you stick with it and play the right way, you get the result you’re looking for.”

Part of that depth is Wildcats forward Ben Henshall, who provided a spark off the bench in Auckland. Rillie said a minor illness had changed the rotation, but Henshall proved again he is ready for any role.

“Ben was a little ill last week. Bringing him off the bench was just a subtle change to get guys into their natural spots,” Rillie said. “He came in and scored eight points really quickly and was part of the group that finished the game with great momentum. As a professional you’ve got to be ready for whatever role is thrown at you and make the most of it.”

Flexibility across the roster will be a focus against Illawarra, with Rillie emphasising the need for versatility.

“We put five basketballers on the court and they need to function as best they can together,” he said. “You’ll see Mason Jones in a textbook point role at times, Dontae in that role, and there’ll even be moments when Doolittle is our point guard. It’s about maximising the best out of the five guys on the floor.”

Keys to the Game:

Battle of the Bigs: McGee’s arrival has shifted the balance inside for Illawarra, but he’ll face a stern test in Lual-Acuil Jr., who is coming off a 21-point, 8-rebound, 4-block performance against New Zealand.

The Wildcats are back in The Jungle: With the roof open and the Red Army in full voice, the Wildcats will look to extend their reputation at RAC Arena as one of the league’s toughest assignments.

Momentum Swings: Perth showed their ability to rally in Round 2 with a 17–0 run to finish the Breakers, while Illawarra’s narrow loss to Tasmania underlined how dangerous they remain late in games.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE WILDNATION

Tip-Off: Thursday 2 October, 7:30 PM AWST
Venue: RAC Arena
Watch: Disney+ and Kayo