Perth Wildcats beat Sydney Kings with massive rebounding effort to celebrate Jesse Wagstaff’s 500th game

Perth Wildcats captain Jesse Wagstaff has lauded his team’s passion and intensity, saying the style they played in a 104-97 win over Sydney Kings is precisely what’s needed to compete against the best.

The Wildcats moved back into third spot on the ladder following the win and their destiny is now in their own hands. They will guarantee a top-three finish if they beat Adelaide at RAC Arena on Friday night. Finishing second will require other results to fall their way.

The Wildcats gave up their hold on second spot when they lost consecutive home games last week. But they were brilliant in the final term against South East Melbourne on Friday and then won 23 offensive rebounds against Sydney to change the momentum of their season.

Wagstaff said the team approached the game in the right way.

“If you take the scoreline out of tonight, if you look at our performance, I really like the intent that we played with,” he said.

“I thought we were in a good head space. If we play like that - and that’s a style we have to play at - I think we’re really great. It’s when we’re a bit off the pace and perhaps take things a bit easier or are not willing to do the hard work (that we struggle).

“I thought we had just great, solid intensity for almost 40 minutes That’s what you’ve got to do in this league. There’s some very good teams and some very good players. You have to play with a certain intent or passion.”

The win meant Wagstaff could celebrate his 500th NBL game in style. Bryce Cotton was fantastic with 30 points and four steals, Dylan Windler made several long-range three-pointers to score 14 points and he also had six steals.

Kristian Doolittle had 16 points and eight rebounds, Keanu Pinder led the offensive rebounding with five for the game to give him 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Ben Henshall and Tai Webster were crucial at important moments.

Coach John Rillie said it wasn’t a coincidence that his team was playing well when his big names were healthy again.

“This weekend we had our full roster. When you’ve got your full roster at your disposal, it usually helps your situation at both ends of the floor,” he said.

“Rebounding forgives all sins, whether you are playing bad defence or bad offence. We had great pursuit and intent to control that. We have multiple guys who can go and find an extra possession for us.”

Rillie is refusing to look at the ladder ahead of the last round, saying he’s remaining focused on helping the team to win. But he knows it will take away wins to compete in the finals, and the Wildcats just won their fifth game on the road in a row.

“With where we’ll probably finish on the ladder, we’ll have to go on the road in the play-offs. I think it’ll give us a nice confidence when we get tot hat post season,” he said.