In a league filled with dazzling talent, one star shines brightest. Bryce Cotton, the four-time NBL MVP, has made his highly anticipated return to the hardwood after missing five games due to a dislodged rib. And what a return it was! Cotton exploded for 33 points in just 32 minutes, leading his Perth Wildcats to a decisive 97-84 victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
The Wildcats’ RAC Arena was buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly awaited Cotton’s comeback. However, the Phoenix came out firing, racing to a 10-0 lead and silencing the Perth faithful. South East Melbourne, rejuvenated under new head coach Josh King, carried a 26-18 advantage into the second quarter, thanks largely to their stifling defense.
The Cotton Effect: A Second Quarter Surge
But then, the tide turned. With Cotton leading the charge, the Wildcats erupted for a jaw-dropping 40 points in the second period. The reigning MVP poured in 16 of his game-high 33 during this pivotal stretch, showcasing his elite scoring prowess and reminding everyone why he’s considered the NBL’s premier player.
Any time you get a win like that on your home floor it’s good. The way that we clawed back and had that 12-point (third) quarter defensively, that really set the tone for the rest of the game I felt.
– Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie
A Team Effort, Fueled by American Firepower
While Cotton’s heroics stole the show, he had plenty of help from his fellow Americans. Dylan Windler knocked down 4 of 5 from beyond the arc en route to 20 points, while Kristian Doolittle stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. The trio combined for an astounding 44 of Perth’s 58 first-half points.
Phoenix’s Bright Spots in Defeat
Despite the loss, the Phoenix showed flashes of brilliance. American import Matt Hurt continued his stellar play, posting a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Nathan Sobey chipped in 17 points, while Next Star Malique Lewis impressed with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
I’ll just state facts because I don’t want to get fined, I believe the foul count was 12-1 in the second quarter and I’ve never seen anything like that. Then the final foul count – this is a fact – was 25-10. Oh man, so it’s tough to play on the road against a really good team with really good players, that’s a fact, and Perth is that.
– South East Melbourne Phoenix head coach Josh King
The Road Ahead
With the win, the Wildcats improve to 6-6 on the season, while the Phoenix slip to 5-8 heading into the FIBA break. As the NBL takes a brief hiatus for international play, both teams will look to regroup and refine their strategies for the second half of the season.
For Perth, the focus will be on reintegrating Cotton into the lineup and building upon the momentum generated by his spectacular return. If the three-time champs can get consistent production from their American contingent and steady the ship defensively, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with down the stretch.
Meanwhile, South East Melbourne will aim to shore up their porous defense and find more offensive balance to complement Hurt’s scoring exploits. With a new coach at the helm and a roster brimming with potential, the Phoenix could be poised for a second-half surge if they can address these key areas.
The Final Word
In the end, Bryce Cotton’s triumphant return served as a stark reminder of his unparalleled talent and importance to the Perth Wildcats. As the NBL’s brightest star, his presence alone can shift the balance of power and ignite his team’s championship aspirations. With Cotton back in the fold and hungry for another title, the rest of the league has been put on notice.
