The Adelaide 36ers and Perth Wildcats have now faced off three times this season, with Adelaide taking a 2-1 lead in the season series following their 95-84 victory on Sunday night.
It was a strong collective performance from the 36ers, but the night ultimately belonged to former Perth Wildcats superstar and five-time NBL MVP Bryce Cotton, who produced a career-high performance against his former club.
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Cotton finished the contest with 36 points, seven assists and three rebounds, further adding to an outstanding NBL26 campaign in which he is averaging 26.3 points, 7.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 44 per cent from the field and 39.5 per cent from beyond the arc.
Following the win, head coach Mike Wells and teammate Dejan Vasiljevic spoke to the media about Cotton’s impact, both on the night and throughout the season.
“He had the look in his eye,” Wells said. “At times he was telling us, ‘get everybody out of my way.’
“I’m thinking, what do you want me to do with the other nine guys, Bryce?”
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Cotton appeared in complete control throughout the contest, showcasing the same ruthless scoring mentality that has defined his NBL career. Perth struggled to find answers, particularly after David Duke Jr went down early in the game. Duke had previously enjoyed success defending Cotton in their earlier matchups this season.
Sunday Dech took on the primary defensive assignment, but once Cotton settled into his rhythm, there was little anyone could do to slow him down as he poured in 36 points.
“He was locked in,” Wells said. “He wanted to go.
“As a head coach, it’s a little bit different when he’s locked in and looking at you like, ‘I don’t want to come out.’”
Wells also reflected on the heavy workload Cotton has carried throughout the season. The veteran guard is averaging 37 minutes and 18 seconds per game – the second-highest average of his career.
“Do I need to find those windows? Yeah,” Wells said. “If you ask Bryce, I’m sure he’d say no. That’s the competitiveness, and that’s what we love about him.”
One of the most significant storylines of Cotton’s season has been his transition from shooting guard to full-time point guard – a move that was questioned by many heading into the campaign.
Not only has Cotton embraced the role, he has thrived in it. He currently leads the league in assists per game while averaging just 2.5 turnovers, underscoring his efficiency and decision-making.
Vasiljevic spoke about the impact Cotton’s playmaking has had on the team.
“It’s easy when someone draws so much attention,” he said. “You get wide-open looks and all you’ve got to do is make the shot.
“He makes the right play every time, and he’s willing to do it.”
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That Cotton is producing one of the best seasons of his career is remarkable given his résumé. Already a five-time NBL MVP and widely regarded as the greatest import the league has seen – and by some, the greatest player of all time – he continues to raise the bar.
The 36ers are reaping the rewards. They sit atop the NBL26 ladder with a 17-4 record, their best start since 2018, when the club advanced to the Grand Final series before falling to Melbourne United.
If Cotton maintains this level of form and Adelaide’s momentum continues, another Grand Final appearance is firmly within reach – and this time, the belief is growing that they could go one step further.
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