Wounded Wildcats head home after Tassie triumph
Perth Wildcats' Head Coach Scott Morrison embraces his wife after landing in Perth (Photo: Perth Wildcats)
The Perth Wildcats have touched down in Perth after a much needed 78-89 victory against the Tasmanian JackJumpers. Coming off a three-game losing streak, Perth faced Tasmania without their best defender in Mitch Norton.
Norton, who was out with concussion protocols, wasn’t the only potential out of Monday night’s game with Vic Law coming in as a ‘game time decision’ due to a knee injury that occurred during the Wildcats close loss to South-East Melbourne.
Laying down the Law
Law ended up playing, coming off the bench after only 4 minutes on the sidelines. He ended up with a huge double-double of 19 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists in 27 minutes of action as he and his partner in crime, Bryce Cotton, led the Wildcats to a 11 point victory.
Cotton has his own night to remember. While being kept quiet to his usual standards, he still led the game in scoring, finishing with 20 points, 5 assists and 2 steals.
NBA prospect Luke Travers further pushed his case for being drafted with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Matt Hodgson played his best game in red, having a Wildcats’ career high in points. With 15 points, 7 rebounds and a steal.
Frazier has nine lives
He has our full support and we believe in him.
Scott Morrison on Michael Frazier II
Questions are still being asked about Michael Frazier II’s spot in this Wildcats’ team. Playing predominantly at the three along side locals Todd Blanchfield and Luke Travers, Frazier’s season has been lack lustre so far.
Against Tasmania, he had 0 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 turnovers in almost 18 minutes of game time. While he is averaging 7.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists, he is taking away minutes from Blanchfield and Travers, who has shown more than himself.
Head Coach Scott Morrison said in the post-game press-conference,
“He didn’t have his best game. I though he took a positive step from our last game. I thought he gave us some good minutes. He did some good things defensively tonight that didn’t show up in the score sheet. Everyone’s going to point to a couple of bad turnovers he had but I think he’s improving,” Morrison said.
“He’s under a lot of pressure. Every time there is a microphone in-front of me, someone’s asking me about Mike and whether we’re replacing him or are we making moves. I know that’s everyone’s job to ask me that but it would be tough on a young guy playing in a different country to hear about that.”
“He has our full support and we believe in him. And he’s going to try and help us get a win next week.”
Home Coming
I’ve been in Tasmania for nine weeks. I’ve been in Perth for four.
Scott Morrison on what it means to return ‘home’ back to Perth.
The Wildcats flew home on Tuesday after their victory in the apple isle. After a 64 day road trip over east, Perth landed back home and were embraced by their families.
After the JackJumpers game, Morrison was asked what it meant to him returning to Perth and seeing his family.
Morrison took his time before answering. Almost breaking down, he said,
“I don’t want to get emotional. I’m excited to see my kids and see my wife. I’ve been in Tasmania for nine weeks, I’ve been in Perth for four. I’m excited to get home and it’s even sweeter to get a win to get sent off with.”
Perth now go on to play the 36ers in Adelaide on Sunday with Mitch Norton expected to return to the line-up.
Scott Morrison was asked about his availability for Sunday.
“I think he had to be pulled off the court at warm up’s twice because he was itching to help out and do whatever he can. I’m sure he’ll be available for next week. I don’t know for certain but I’m guessing he’ll be ok.”