NBL26 Playoffs Game 1 Match Report: Wildcats vs Kings

In a contest that delivered the intensity expected of NBL finals basketball, the lead changed hands repeatedly across four quarters before the Kings escaped with the win in the closing seconds.

The Wildcats hit the ground running with strong defensive pressure and composure on offence. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. opened the scoring with a floater inside before Perth surged ahead on an 8–0 run, highlighted by back to back three pointers from Dylan Windler and Ben Henshall to establish a 10–2 advantage.

Sydney responded through Kendrick Davis at the free throw line before Torrey Craig and Xavier Cooks began to find their rhythm. Despite the Kings lifting their defensive intensity and forcing turnovers, Perth maintained the edge thanks to a pair of quick corner threes from David Duke Jr. and strong interior work from Lual-Acuil Jr.

A late basket from Matthew Dellavedova just before the buzzer trimmed the margin to two points at quarter time, with the Wildcats leading 24–22.

The Kings seized momentum early in the second quarter when Dellavedova knocked down a corner three to give Sydney its first lead of the game. What followed was a frantic stretch of lead changes as both teams traded baskets in a fiercely contested period.

Kristian Doolittle provided key scoring inside for Perth, while Elijah Pepper connected from long range to keep the Wildcats within striking distance. However, Craig proved a constant problem for the visitors, finishing the half with 15 points and six rebounds.

A late burst from Davis swung the momentum Sydney’s way, with the Kings guard drilling a three before forcing a steal and racing the length of the floor for a layup to send the home crowd into a frenzy and give Sydney a 48–44 lead at halftime.

The second half continued the back and forth battle as Davis struck early with another three before Doolittle answered at the other end. With both teams trading big plays, the contest remained finely balanced throughout the third quarter.

Doolittle began to take control during the period, hitting tough mid range jumpers and attacking the basket to steady Perth whenever Sydney threatened to pull away.

Solid contributions from Pepper and Duke Jr. helped maintain the pressure, and after 33 lead changes through three quarters the Wildcats held a slender 75–73 advantage heading into the final term.

The fourth quarter delivered a tense finals finish.

Windler produced a timely three pointer to lift the Wildcats before Lual-Acuil Jr. tied the game at 83–83 with a strong finish at the rim.

Hustle plays from Duke Jr. and Lual-Acuil Jr. on the offensive glass kept Perth in the fight as the scores remained locked midway through the quarter.

Pepper’s floater gave the Wildcats a narrow lead before the Kings responded through Davis, who continued his dominant performance with a series of big baskets.

Windler again delivered from beyond the arc to briefly put Perth back in front, but Davis answered with another clutch three on his way to a game high 35 points.

In the closing moments the Kings edged ahead through Xavier Cooks at the free throw line before Doolittle answered with a three point play to keep the Wildcats within reach.

Perth had one final opportunity to steal the win, with Doolittle pushing the ball up the floor and rising for a jumper in the final seconds.

The shot narrowly missed, and Lual-Acuil Jr.’s tip attempt fell just short as the Kings escaped with the one point victory.

Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Wildcats will take confidence from a strong performance that saw them push Sydney to the limit throughout the night.

GET BEHIND YOUR PERTH WILDCATS FOR GAME 2 IN THE JUNGLE

The series now shifts to RAC Arena for Game 2 on Saturday night, where the Wildcats will look to respond in front of the Red Army and level the series.

BOX SCORES