'Uncharacteric errors': Wildcats look to right the ship

Heading into their final game of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season, the Perth Wildcats have it all to play for.

A win over Adelaide at RAC Arena on Friday night would cement their spot in the top four and set up a Seeding Qualifier showdown with South East Melbourne.

But a loss, by around 10 or more points depending on scorelines, would see them fall below Melbourne United on the ladder.

According to star forward Kristian Doolittle, who was recently shortlisted for the 2025-26 MVP award, the team is laser-focused on rebounding from their disappointing last-up defeat to Sydney.

“I feel like these last stretch of games have been more like a playoff atmosphere in terms of our approach and the seriousness with which we’ve been taking these games, to try to build momentum for going into the Finals,” Doolittle said in Wednesday’s club media availability.

“I feel like we’ve done a fairly good job in terms of what our expectations are and how we want to play.

“Bearing in mind our last game, but at the same time, we still have another game to right the ship.”

The loss to the first-placed Kings that Doolittle touches on has given John Rillie’s team a chance to refocus ahead of what the club hopes will be a deep post-season run.

“We had a very honest film session before practice, and we saw that our effort [against Sydney] wasn’t where it needed to be and where it hasn’t been,” the American said.

“It hasn’t dipped to the way that we performed in our last game, so we’re trying to make sure that doesn’t become a habit, trying to get back on the right step.

“There were some uncharacteristic errors, allowing them to secure a lot of the 50/50 loose balls during the game. We just didn’t have the sense of urgency, while also messing up some of the scout.

“It’s something to learn from, but at the same time, we can’t dwell on it because we have another game.

“I feel like we’ve had good preparation for our next opponent, and feel like we were able to bring what we saw on film and apply it to the court. It was a good day all in all.”

Friday’s Round 22 fixture tips off at 9.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.