Greg Hire and Jesse Wagstaff celebrate the win over Melbourne United at RAC Arena.
Camera IconGreg Hire and Jesse Wagstaff celebrate the win over Melbourne United at RAC Arena. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images

NBL: Tale of two seasons as Perth Wildcats look to play ‘ugly’ against in-form Adelaide

Wildcats vice-captain Greg HireHills Avon Valley Gazette

Momentum can be incredible – sometimes as a team you can be absolutely rolling, confidence high and players responding to every challenge.

Other times, things don’t roll your way, players become tentative and struggle to make an impact in a game like they would like to.

It really has been a tale of two seasons. We started the year hot, winning games we weren’t expected to win with players missing due to injury, and upon our return, we lost some getable games with numerous occasions our team holding double digit leads.

To me, we took a huge step this past weekend by beating Melbourne United. Yes, it wasn’t pretty. Yes, Casper Ware missed a very gettable layup, but a win is a win.

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Our intent and level of intensity was back to where it should be, we generated points from the defensive end, we played physical without fouling, and more importantly I thought every individual played their role to the best of their ability.

Every game is a playoff game, that should be our mindset. We have a huge weekend and it starts Friday night against an Adelaide outfit brimming with confidence. For us, it’s getting back to that ‘ugly’ Wildcats basketball that generates wins.

Finally, I’d like to congratulate my great mate Jesse Wagstaff on reaching 300 (and then 301) NBL games last weekend. He’s a true champion of the club!