Mum's the word: How Bryce found out about milestone

At the same venue he scored his first NBL points seven years ago, Cotton brought up his 5000-point milestone late in the first quarter of the Wildcats' 104-98 victory.

He became just the third person in the NBL's 40-minute era to get there, joining Chris Goulding and Daniel Johnson.

When asked if he knew about the feat, Cotton revealed his mum Yvonne, who flew over from Tucson for the match, broke the news to him.

Yvonne also presented her son with the game ball in a special post-match moment.

5000th point with his parents in the crowd. ??

After reaching the milestone yesterday, BC’s Mum Yvonne presented him with the game ball. ? pic.twitter.com/qn1mSyKQwD

— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) January 22, 2024

“My mum actually told me after the game. It’s pretty cool,” Cotton said.

“It’s a pretty cool milestone. I wasn’t aware of it, so it definitely took me by surprise. That’s a pretty cool accomplishment.

“She said congratulations. I was here for your 5000th point, and I had a smile on my face.”

Cotton amassed an equal game-high 29 points on Sunday, matching fellow MVP Jaylen Adams' efforts at the other end.

He's averaging a competition-high 24.2 points per game to firm as the red-hot favourite to win a fourth NBL MVP award.

The Wildcats' next assignment in Thursday night's Member Recognition Round clash against Illawarra at RAC Arena.

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