Wildcats go one up

Perth has made the perfect start to it's NBL20 Grand Final series against Sydney, winning game one at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday.

Both sides had their changes late in proceedings, a dramatic final ten seconds seeing Terrico White miss both three throws at one end for the visitors before Casper Ware squandered a chance to win the game from beyond the arc with the final shot of the match, the Wildcats hanging on to take a 1-0 lead 88-86.

Sydney commenced their first Grand Final series since 2008 on their home floor, having only won once against their opponents during the regular season, at the same venue in November.

Bryce Cotton started brilliantly for Perth, with ten first term points having averaged 33 points against the Kings in the regular season.

Andrew Bogut was doing his part for the Kings, while Shaun Bruce and Jae'Sean Tate found their range to give Sydney the lead the opening change.

Threes to Didi Louzada and Daniel Kickert had Sydney in control in the second, but again Cotton inspired a revival from his side, with help from fellow All-NBL First team selection Nick Kay as Perth led by 3 at the half.

Kickert and Kevin Lisch took control of proceedings in the third, the margin out to 11 points before Clint Steindl and Terrico White drained threes to set up an intriguing finish.

Cotton was again the thorn in Sydney's side, back to back threes putting Perth in front, before skipper Damien Martin came up with a three of his own to make things tough for the Kings.

Casper Ware had a forgettable night from outside, shooting 0/10 from three point range including the last of the match as the Kings are now faced with the task of heading to RAC Arena on Friday for game two.

PERTH 88 (Cotton 32, Kay 14, Plumlee 10)

SYDNEY 86 (Bogut 18, Lisch 17, Tate 11)

IMAGE: NBL website.