Wildcats expecting dogfight against Hawks

Mar 4, 2017 - 5:07 AM Star Perth Wildcats import Bryce Cotton is expecting a dogfight in Sunday's game three of the grand final series against Illawarra, and says it would be the icing on the cake if his team can come away with the NBL title.

The Wildcats lead the best-of-five series 2-0, and are hot favourites to complete a clean sweep in front of their adoring fans at Perth Arena.

But Cotton insists his team won't take the Hawks lightly, especially after watching them come from 1-0 down to beat ladder leaders Adelaide in their semi-final series.

"I remember watching that series. They play very hard," Cotton said on Saturday.

"It's definitely going to be intense. The crowd is going to be crazy.

"It will definitely be a dog fight."

Wildcats forward Matt Knight, who has a history of concussion issues, may miss Sunday's match after copping a knock to the head in Wednesday's win in Wollongong.

If Knight is ruled out, the Wildcats will lean heavily on Angus Brandt and Jameel McKay to contain star Hawks centre AJ Ogilvy.

Wildcats players were in a jovial mood on Saturday, finishing their training session with a light-hearted half-court shootout competition.

Jokes were flying thick and fast, and Cotton said it was important to keep the mood light.

"You don't want to put too much pressure on yourself. That never leads to anything good," Cotton said.

"You've got to enjoy the moment and embrace it."

Cotton has played a key role in Perth's title push since arriving in January, and his hot form has continued during the grand final series.

The 24-year-old American returned hauls of 18 and 20 points in games one and two, and he looms as a key figure as the Wildcats attempt to wrap up their eighth NBL title.

Cotton has loved his time in Perth.

But the 185cm guard is keen to return to the NBA, where he has spent stints with Utah, Phoenix, and Memphis.

Cotton was offered a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks in January, but he turned it down so he could see out the NBL season with the Wildcats.

Now, he wants to leave Perth as a Championship-winning player.

"It would be the icing on the cake. Any time you play with any team you want to win a Championship," Cotton said.

Source: AAP