NBL27 Round 7 Ignite Cup Game Preview | Wildcats vs Kings

Wednesday night basketball returns to RAC Arena as the Perth Wildcats host the Sydney Kings in a Round 7 Ignite Cup clash on 28 October.

Following Friday’s thrilling finish against Melbourne United, the Wildcats return to their home floor to open their Ignite Cup campaign against a Sydney Kings side looking to bounce back from Sunday’s loss to United.

Tip off is at 6:30pm, with every quarter carrying extra significance as Perth chases points towards both the regular season and Ignite Cup ladders.

Perth’s focus is on bringing its best basketball for longer against a Sydney side that has capitalised on decisive stretches in recent meetings.

When the teams met earlier this month, the Wildcats fought back from a 16 point deficit to get within four early in the third quarter before the Kings pulled away late.

Head coach John Rillie believes better execution throughout the contest will give Perth the opportunity to change that result.

“We’ve got to play as close to 40 minutes of good basketball as possible,” Rillie said.

“They’ve done a great job in seizing games in moments at the right time and we haven’t been able to do that yet.”

Recognising when Sydney is building momentum and limiting its scoring runs will be important for the Wildcats.

Protecting possession will also be key against the Kings’ ability to turn turnovers into quick scores.

“With the Kings, they’re very explosive in transition from defence to offence,” Rillie said.

“Can we limit those moments? Instead of it being a seven point run, can we make it a four or five point run?

“Can we avoid live ball turnovers so their transition isn’t a dunk?”

Rillie said preparation had centred on making the details clear for his players and identifying where Perth could improve.

“For us, it’s more like what can we execute a little bit better? What do we need to be really dialled into?” he said.

“Obviously their personnel plays a huge part, but how can we simplify it to get to the end goal we’re looking for?

Brandon Knight heads into the rematch with more time alongside his teammates and confidence from his late game heroics against United.

Knight’s influence continues to develop as both he and the group gain a clearer understanding of how to play together.

“His confidence and everyone’s understanding of each other is certainly growing,” Rillie said.

“He’s been a great addition to our team and it’s evolving at a nice rate.”

Brandon Knight joins NBL Overtime - watch below

Friday also saw Kristian Doolittle come close to a triple double, with his ability to influence multiple areas of the game again on display.

Asked whether the milestone could be approaching, Rillie backed the forward’s approach.

“If you play the right way and if Kristian continues to play the way he is, I’m sure it’s only around the corner,” he said.

Perth’s close finishes have provided valuable experience as the group learns how to execute together with the result on the line.

Rillie said persistence through similar situations last season was helping the Wildcats find rewards, with different players capable of taking responsibility.

“The more times you go through those, the more experienced you get,” he said.

“We’re figuring out how we need to execute with this group of players in those situations.”

The challenge against Sydney is to apply that composure whenever the game demands it, including the stretches midway through quarters that can shape the final result.

Back at RAC Arena, the Wildcats will also have the Red Army behind them. Doolittle’s late three against United provided one of Friday’s biggest reactions, with Rillie acknowledging how those moments help bring fans closer to the team.

“A team has to provide some excitement for the fans to really embrace,” he said.

“I think this team so far, playing the home games, winning some of the games the way we have, really has allowed our fan base and the community to embrace this group of players representing the Perth Wildcats.”

Sydney travels west with a 5-3 record following a 105-95 loss to Melbourne United on Sunday.

Torrey Craig recorded 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Andrew Carr added 18 points and 11 rebounds, presenting a significant frontcourt challenge for Perth. Kendric Davis contributed 12 points and five assists.

United took control with a 9-2 run to open the third quarter and scored 62 points in the paint, while the Kings committed 16 turnovers.

Those areas will give Perth plenty to examine as it looks to put Sydney under pressure at both ends.

Plan your game night

Get your Wednesday night started with the band at the Murray Street Mall train station exit before joining fellow fans at Pirate Life Perth for the Red Army March.

Inside RAC Arena, The Y Fan Zone and merchandise outlets open with doors at 5:30pm, with brand new player badges available.

Wednesday, 28 October | RAC Arena

• 5:00pm: Box office opens. Band begins playing at the Murray Street Mall train station exit.
• 5:25pm: Band arrives at Pirate Life Perth.
• 5:30pm: Doors, The Y Fan Zone and merchandise outlets open.
• 5:40pm: Red Army March leaves Pirate Life Perth.
• 6:10pm: Entertainment commences.
• 6:30pm: Tip off.
• Postgame: Members function in the Granite Room.

How the Ignite Cup works

Wednesday marks Perth’s first game in the Ignite Cup, presented by 7-Eleven.

Each club plays two home and two away games during the tournament, with results counting towards the regular season ladder. A separate points system determines the Ignite Cup standings:

• Three points for winning the game.
• One point for each quarter won.
• Half a point each for a tied quarter.

A team can earn a maximum of seven points by winning all four quarters and the game. No additional quarter points are awarded in overtime.

The top four teams advance to the Ignite Cup Finals at AIS Arena in Canberra, with semi finals on 19 February and the final on 21 February, 2027. Those Finals games do not count towards the regular season ladder.

A record $550,000 prize pool is on offer, shared between teams and players.

Perth’s remaining Ignite Cup fixtures are away to Brisbane on 4 November, at home against Melbourne United on 16 December and away to Illawarra on 6 January.