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In what was an anti-climactic finish to the 2015-16 NBL season, the Perth Wildcats have defeated the New Zealand Breakers on their home court by a massive margin of 22 points.
REPORT: PERTH THE CHAMPIONS OF AN INCREDIBLE SEASON
The Wildcats were never truly challenged by a Breakers outfit that registered the lowest amount of points ever scored in a grand final game.
The previous record belonged to the Townsville Crocodiles, who scored 53 points in the 2011 series, funnily enough against the Breakers.
The Breakers managed to stay in the game for the first quarter and a half, but from there it was all one-way traffic, with the Wildcats never looking back. It was a nervous start to the game for both teams, with shots not going down at all and only eight points coming from the first four minutes.
It was a case of offensive execution being off, rather than aggressive or excellent defence early in the game.
Both teams did eventually warm into things, with the Breakers taking the early running on the back of some fantastic shooting from Thomas Abercrombie, who was the only light in an otherwise failing team.
Abercrombie ended the game scoring nearly half the Breakers points, and with a game high of 21.
The Wildcats built their run throughout the game off defence. Damian Martin, who was named player of the grand-final series had an absolute blinder on that end of the court, and added some clutch buckets in offence, displaying great court vision.
Perth’s run to the end of the first quarter was kicked off by big centre, ‘outback Shaq’ Nathan Jawai. He got himself to the free throw line a number of times and was dominant in the paint.
The Wildcats would move through the second quarter, increasing their lead to 12 by the half time break. Nathan Jawai continued to hurt the Auckland based club, while Jermaine Beal, Jesse Wagstaff and Shawn Redhage all stepped up at various points.
The second half saw more of the same, with Damian Martin continuing his hard work on the defensive end, and inspiring those around him. The Wildcats caused turnover after turnover from the Breakers, who would only score eight points in the third quarter.
Cedric Jackson was fouled out with eight minutes to play in the fourth, with the Breakers down by 20, and the final time out would be taken with an incredible seven minutes to go.
The Wildcats continued to put the foot down in the final few minutes, and never looked like letting up. Casey Prather would end up leading them for scoring with 19, while Matthew Knight would pull down 11 rebounds.
The last few minutes felt like a party both on the floor, and in the grandstand as the win was celebrated.
A dominant performance from the Wildcats to round out the 2015-16 NBL season, as they took the grand final series over the New Zealand Breakers two games to one.
Final score
Perth Wildcats 75
New Zealand Breakers 52
We are back at the Perth Arena for the final match of the NBL grand final series, where the Perth Wildcats are out to stop the New Zealand Breakers becoming back-to-back premiers. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the most important match for the season from 5:15pm (AEDT).
After the Wildcats won Game 1 by six points, the teams went across the ditch for an even closer and more enthralling second game, a Corey Webster three in the dying seconds helping the Breakers to a four-point win.
It was even more incredible due to the fact it was only Webster’s second made shot of the night, as he ended with 2 of 13 from the field. If the Breakers are to compete here, then improvement from him is needed.
Jermaine Beal was best on court for the Wildcats in Game 2, while Damian Martin added a stack on the defensive end. What the Wildcats really need though is for Casey Prather to get back to where he was in the middle of the season.
Mika Vukona, Jesse Wagstaff and Shawn Redhage also have an enthralling battle to play out. The Wildcats’ bench duo had plenty to offer in Game 2, while Vukona was absolutely fantastic on both ends of the floor. With bench minutes becoming more important in the third game, Vukona’s efforts are going to be under the microscope.
The final factor to take into account is foul trouble. The Breakers shot much better from the free-throw line than they have all season in Game 2, and had plenty of shots there. It could have been what won them the game, and with an aggressive style of basketball being played, it could be the case again for either side.
Prediction
The Wildcats may have limited impact from Nathan Jawai, but each game has seen the home team win, and it is hard to see that changing.
Wildcats by 1.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores and coverage of this deciding match of the 2015-16 NBL season from 5:15pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde