Wildcats Prepare for Rematch Against Bullets After Batemon's Historic Performance
Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie is leaving no stone unturned as his team prepares for their upcoming showdown against the Brisbane Bullets. Rillie has focused intently on what went wrong during the last encounter, particularly the unforgettable performance by James Batemon, who torched the Wildcats with a record-breaking 51-point game. This historic feat marked a new high for the NBL’s 40-minute era, and Rillie is determined to ensure his team is better prepared this time around.
Rillie acknowledges that stopping a player like Batemon isn’t a simple task, and it’s certainly not a matter of assigning one defender to keep him in check. Batemon’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, including his remarkable 50% shooting from beyond the arc this season, makes him a constant threat. Rillie emphasized that it's not just about the player guarding Batemon, but rather how the whole team executes their defensive strategy. Every player has a role to play in denying Batemon the opportunities to get hot, as his 51-point performance came largely due to turnovers and easy transition opportunities that gave him uncontested shots.
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The coach knows that defensive discipline will be key to neutralizing Batemon’s impact. But, Rillie also pointed out that it’s not just Batemon the Wildcats need to worry about. While his scoring ability might grab the headlines, the Wildcats must remain aware of the other key players on the Bullets’ roster. Rillie is clear: if you focus too much on one player, you risk neglecting the rest of the team, which can lead to further breakdowns. He stressed the importance of sticking to the team’s defensive schemes and maintaining focus on every player, regardless of the individual superstar moments.
Fortunately for Perth, they will have a stronger defensive presence this time, thanks to the return of star import Kristian Doolittle, who was sidelined with a knee issue in the last game. Doolittle has since recovered and trained strongly throughout the week, and his presence on the floor will certainly bolster the Wildcats’ defense. The team will also monitor other key players like Izan Almansa, Ben Henshall, and Hyrum Harris, who recently returned from international duties with Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.
Rillie made it clear that the Wildcats are not just focused on Batemon’s individual brilliance but are preparing for a team-wide effort to shut down Brisbane. The record-breaking 51-point performance should serve as a wake-up call for his players to stay focused, execute their game plan, and play their part in every aspect of defense. As the Wildcats get ready to face the Bullets again, they are well aware that a repeat of their previous performance simply won’t be good enough. The challenge is set, and Rillie is determined to have his team firing on all cylinders when the ball tips off.
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