Wildcats expecting Kings to up the pace

Despite another dramatic change to their scheduling, the Perth Wildcats remain unfazed going in Thursday night’s RAC Arena blockbuster against the Sydney Kings.

The game was originally scheduled to be against the NZ Breakers, before the Brisbane COVID-19 outbreak forced the NBL to make a change.

“I don’t think it will be the last change, either,” said Trevor Gleeson.

“We said at the start of the year, you’ve just got to be adaptable and get ready to roll with the punches. Our guys have been really good with that so far.

“We had to pack our bags and get out of Perth within 24 hours earlier this year, so hopefully it doesn’t come to that, but it’s just part of the season.”

The Wildcats played the Kings on Sunday, defeating their 2020 Grand Final opponents by 24 points in their second biggest win of the season.

Gleeson is expecting a strong response.

“We’ll expect something different from Sydney. They’ll mix it up, try to bring a bit more pace to the game, but I thought our defence was outstanding in the second half, and that’s something that’s a good challenge, to see if we can replicate that,” he said.

“I think they’ll probably up the tempo a little bit, so we have to be prepared, like we always are, and go from their.”

Bryce Cotton is averaging a staggering 30.8 point per game in his last 10 clashes with the Kings.

His coach is expecting him to get plenty of attention – as always.

“After four years, and over 100 games, there’s been a lot of stuff thrown at Bryce, from a box and one, triangle and two, trying to trap every time he gets the ball. It’s up to the rest of our teammates to be active during that period of time.”

Kevin White remains out of the Wildcats side for family reasons. 

Tip-off on Thursday is at 6.30pm. Tickets available here.

Watch live on ESPN or SBS On Demand.