Perth Wildcats v South East Melbourne Phoenix
Thursday, December 18, 9.30pm AEDT
RAC Arena
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Talking points
Red Army redemption
There is still a sour taste in the mouth of the Red Army from when the Wildcats last played at home.
Through three quarters of their game against Adelaide last round, the Wildcats looked like the legitimate championship contender many believe they can be, before it all unravelled.
A record-breaking sell-out crowd at RAC Arena watched in shocked as Perth gave up a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter to lose then ‘unlosable’.
Defence travels
The South East Melbourne Phoenix are one of the best defensive teams in the entire league and that is a major reason as to why they are a championship contender.
The most impressive part about their identity is that they will play the same way, no matter where it is or who it is against.
The Phoenix come into a hostile environment in Perth, against an emotionally charged Wildcats team and will want to send a message.
What they’re saying
Wildcats coach John Rillie on performing for the Red Army:
“I think we’ve had some moments where the crowd and the fan base are starting to see what we can become, but the inconsistency in the home games, everyone kind of holds their breath a little bit to see what happens in that moment.
“That’s something we can’t worry about, we’ve got to produce some moments for them to feel like they can fully support and become that sixth man.
“We have to figure out a way to win at home, no doubt about that. But as I’ve talked about, it’s the way we play consistently, and then the result will take care of itself.”
Phoenix coach Josh King on the importance of Thursday’s game on ladder position:
“Everyone’s still jockeying for position [on the ladder] right now.
“Adelaide’s out in front, Melbourne’s in second, we’re in third and then there’s other teams [including Perth] right behind us.
“It’s important [that we continue to collect wins] but also continue to improve as we want to be playing our best basketball in in a couple months from now.”
Missing in action
Perth
Jaron Rillie – Hamstring – January
SE Melbourne
Malique Lewis – Pneumothorax – TBC
Owen Foxwell – Corked Thigh – TBC
>> View full injury list
