Wagstaff tells teammates to enjoy Finals Basketball

UPDATE 4.00PM WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE:

Perth Wildcats guard Mitch Norton will return for tomorrow night’s semi-final blockbuster against the Illawarra Hawks.

Bryce Cotton has been ruled out for the duration of the series.

ORIGINAL

Perth Wildcats captain and NBL Finals veteran Jesse Wagstaff has told his teammates to enjoy the experience of playing post-season basketball.

Incredibly, Wagstaff will play his 51^st NBL Finals game when Perth meet Illawarra in Game One of its semi-final series at RAC Arena.

“I don’t think you ever take it for granted, it’s not a given, even at the Wildcats. It’s a phenomenal record but it’s never a given, it’s hard work to get here,” he said.

“So enjoy it, the physicality ramps up a bit during playoffs as well. But enjoy it, you’ve got to savour it. But as I said, it’s a different game, the regular season means nothing now.

“It’s an important time of the year, but at the same time that’s why you play. It’s enjoyable, so have fun!”

The Wildcats didn’t know who their semi-final opponent would be until Tuesday night, as ladder positions depended on the final regular season home game.

Wagstaff said stopping MVP Finalist Tyler Harvey will be crucial in getting the Game One win.

He’s backed his teammate and Best Defensive Player Finalist, Mitch Norton, to contain him.

“Mitch Norton is phenomenal defensively,” he said.

“Ever since I’ve been at the club we’ve had that really good defensive point guard, and Nort’ss taken the mantle from Damo really well this year I think.

“That’s his jam and that’s what he prides himself on. Harvey’s an exceptional talent, exceptional scorer, can score in a variety of ways.

“While I say its Norto’s job, it’s a team effort too, so it’s not just one guy, so we’ll all help him out.”

Perth and Illawarra met four times in the regular season, with the Wildcats winning on three occasions.

The two sides haven’t met in the post-season since 2017 NBL Grand Final.

Prior to that, they were regular finals opponents, facing off in the 2013, 2014 and 2016 semi-finals.

The Wildcats each of those series.

Tip-off on Thursday is at 7.30pm at RAC Arena. Tickets available here.

Game Two will be on Saturday in Illawarra while, if required, a series-decider will take place on Monday back in Perth.