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The Perth Wildcats have escaped with a victory in Game 1 of the NBL grand final series over the gallant New Zealand Breakers.
The home side led at every break in front of a massive crowd at Perth Arena, but were forced to endure some nervous moments. The Breakers clawed their way back into it, despite trailing by double digits at quarter-time.
Nate Jawai (15 points) produced one his best performances in a Perth jersey as he was unstoppable in the paint during the first half, posting up his rivals and making them look second rate at times.
New Zealand came out with greater intensity after the half-time break, and managed to hit the front towards the backend of the term after Vukona (11 points) and Charles Jackson (11 points) dominated on the interior. A couple of costly turnovers handed Perth the lead back as they entered the final term.
The fourth quarter was characterised by poor shooting, with the Breakers scoring just nine points in the first nine and half minutes. Perth maintained a three-point buffer for most of the quarter, before some big plays from captain Damian Martin (nine points, ten rebounds, five assists) willed his side over the line.
New Zealand will rue some mistakes at critical periods in the game which could have seen them heading home with the chance to wrap up the series. The challenge for them will be to compose themselves on the flight home and maintain the belief they can beat this Perth team and send it to a third game.
The injury status of both Casey Prather (leg) and Jawai (back) will be closely monitored by Perth officials with the side due to travel out tomorrow.
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