NBL27 Round 4 Mental Health Game Preview | Wildcats vs Breakers

Mental Health Game | Presented by Rio Tinto, supporting Lifeline WA

The Perth Wildcats will welcome Brandon Knight into the lineup for the first time when they host the New Zealand Breakers at RAC Arena on Saturday night, chasing a fourth straight win.

It’s third versus fourth, with Perth holding a 3-1 record following consecutive wins over Adelaide, New Zealand and South East Melbourne. The Breakers arrive at 3-2 after winning their past two games.

Knight’s debut adds an experienced presence to Perth’s backcourt, with head coach John Rillie indicating at Friday’s press conference that the import guard would have some restriction on his minutes.

“It’ll just be good to get him out there, get him back playing some basketball in front of our fans,” Rillie said.

Knight has already made a positive impression at training, with Rillie highlighting what his experience can bring to a young backcourt featuring Elijah Pepper, Anthony Dell’Orso and Jaron Rillie.

His introduction gives Perth another ball-handling option and allows players to return to more familiar roles after taking on added responsibilities through the opening rounds.

“I think getting guys back into their more natural positions will lead to better success for the group and individuals as well,” Rillie said.

Elijah Pepper has been central to Perth’s early success, including a 25-point performance in the Wildcats’ 97-93 victory over New Zealand in Round 2.

As Knight joins the rotation, Pepper believes maintaining his aggression will continue to create opportunities for those around him.

“I do think personally, me being aggressive helps the rest of the guys,” Pepper said.

“If I’m aggressive, it makes it easier for those guys to get their shots.”

The teams’ earlier meeting showed the range of contributors Perth can call upon.

Dylan Windler led the Wildcats with 26 points, Pepper added 25 and Dell’Orso scored 15 as Perth overturned an 11-point deficit before holding off a late Breakers charge.

The Wildcats have continued to build their composure in close finishes, with Pepper pointing to the group’s response to opposition runs and their decisions late in games.

“Teams have made some runs in the third and fourth quarters, but we’ve stuck with it and were able to pull out the wins,” he said.

“I think we’ve done a good job in getting our offence and getting good looks.”

New Zealand returns to RAC Arena following an 88-72 road win over Adelaide, taking control in the final quarter.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright finished one rebound short of a triple-double with 27 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, while Sam Mennenga contributed 14 points, five rebounds and four assists.

After scoring 29 points against Perth in Round 2, Jackson-Cartwright will again be a focus for the Wildcats’ defence.

Pepper said limiting his opportunities to build speed and attack in transition would be important.

“I think not letting him get that head of steam early,” Pepper said.

“Once he gets going, he’s kind of almost impossible to stop.”

Rillie emphasised that containing Jackson-Cartwright would require a team effort, with defensive rebounding another priority against a Breakers side capable of creating second chances.

“You’re not going to stop him, but what’s his impact? What’s his efficiency? Can we influence that?” Rillie said.

Saturday’s fixture is also the Wildcats’ Mental Health Game, presented by Rio Tinto, supporting Lifeline WA.

Following a visit from Lifeline during the week, Rillie highlighted the importance of education and looking after yourself and those around you.

“Looking after yourself first and foremost, and then just looking out for your teammates, friends, family, is really important,” he said.

GAME DETAILS

Matchup | Perth Wildcats v New Zealand Breakers
Date | Saturday, 10 October
Venue | RAC Arena
Tip-off | 6:30pm AWST
Tickets | HERE