A heavyweight battle, but it’s all about the W

The million dollar man versus the three-time NBA Champion.

Thursday’s Round 3 clash between Perth and Illawarra will pit two of the competition’s premier centres against one another.

But rather than buying too much into his match-up with Hawks superstar and three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee, Perth’s Jo Lual-Acui Jr is concentrating on helping his side secure their first home win of the Hungry Jack’s 2025-26 NBL season.

“Naturally, I watch a lot of basketball and having played so much in this league, I know the matchups are for you [the media] to talk about, whereas I’m more concentrated on the Perth Wildcats and helping us defeat the Illawarra Hawks,” the South Sudanese international said during the Wildcats media availability.

McGee had a debut to remember on Saturday night, scoring 32 points, to go with 13 rebounds and 3 blocks. But the Hawks ultimately fell short against Tasmania.

“[My focus is on] the game plan and if McGee has 60 points and we win, I’m happy, because winning is the most important thing.”

Thursday’s home fixture for NBL21 championship winner Lual-Acuil Jr, who had 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks during the club’s Round 2 win over New Zealand, and his Wildcats will also be an open-air game.

“The preparation [for an open-air game] is a little different, especially once you walk out there and see the roof open,” the 31-year-old said.

“But once the game starts, everyone just locks in to what needs to be done.”

This fixture tips off at 9.30pm AEST on Thursday, broadcast live on ESPN.