NBL26 Playoffs Game 2 Match Report: Wildcats vs Kings

After a one point thriller in Game 1, Saturday night’s contest again carried finals intensity early, with the Wildcats and Kings locked in a tight battle through the opening half before Sydney took control after the main break.

The Kings struck first through Matthew Dellavedova and Xavier Cooks, but Perth settled quickly. Ben Henshall got the Wildcats on the board with a strong dunk, Elijah Pepper added a layup after creating a steal, and Kristian Doolittle began to find his rhythm inside.

Sydney edged ahead midway through the opening term as Kendric Davis, Torrey Craig and Jaylin Galloway all connected, but the Wildcats stayed within striking distance through strong contributions from Pepper, Henshall and David Duke Jr.

A late burst helped Perth close the gap to just one point at quarter time, with Pepper knocking down a three and Duke Jr. converting from the line to make it 23–22 in favour of the Kings.

The Wildcats built momentum in the second quarter and briefly took control of the contest. Pepper and Jesse Wagstaff both connected from beyond the arc, Henshall continued to provide a spark with multiple triples, and Jo Lual Acuil Jr. finished strongly inside as Perth surged in front.

Henshall was particularly influential in the period, combining energy, offensive rebounding and perimeter shooting to help the Wildcats build a six point buffer.

Sydney responded through Davis and Makuach Maluach, but Perth continued to find answers. Another Henshall three late in the half, assisted by Sunday Dech, sent the Wildcats into the main break with a 46–43 lead.

The third quarter proved decisive.

Doolittle opened the half with a three, but the Kings quickly lifted their intensity and began to swing momentum back their way. Davis started to impose himself offensively, Tim Soares knocked down a triple, and Sydney began forcing costly turnovers.

The Wildcats stayed in the contest through Jo Lual Acuil Jr.’s work around the basket and a crafty finish from Pepper, but the Kings continued to find timely baskets. Maluach hit from deep, Xavier Cooks added key scores inside, and a late floater from Dellavedova helped Sydney take a 60–59 lead into the final break.

With the season on the line, Perth looked to respond early in the fourth.

Doolittle drew a foul and knocked down two free throws to briefly put the Wildcats back in front, while Wagstaff and Henshall both hit important threes to keep Perth within striking distance.

Each time the Wildcats threatened, Sydney had an answer.

Davis drilled a big three and continued to create, Dellavedova finished at the rim, and Maluach made a major impact at both ends with strong interior finishing, rebounding and free throws. Cooks and Craig also came up with important defensive plays as the Kings gradually pushed the margin out.

Perth continued to fight through Doolittle, Duke Jr. and Pepper, but the Kings controlled the closing minutes and finished strongly to secure the 89–75 win as the Wildcats’ season came to a close.

THANK YOU RED ARMY! SEE YOU IN BACK THE JUNGLE FOR NBL27.