Adelaide 36ers vs Perth Wildcats: Player Stats and Match Analysis for NBL 2024-25

The Adelaide 36ers and Perth Wildcats have one of the most storied rivalries in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), delivering high-octane games that captivate fans. This article provides an in-depth analysis of player statistics and performance highlights from their 2024-25 season matchups, focusing on the January 17, 2025, game where Perth edged Adelaide 110-103. By leveraging data from sources like Sofascore, ESPN, and Proballers, we aim to create a comprehensive resource for fans, analysts, and bettors seeking insights into this thrilling clash.

Historical Context of the Rivalry

The Perth Wildcats hold a historical edge over the Adelaide 36ers, with a 49-33 record in 82 games since 2006, according to AiScore. Perth averages 90.0 points per game (PPG) against Adelaide’s 85.9, reflecting their offensive prowess. In the 2024-25 season, the teams split their earlier matchups, with home teams winning both games. The Wildcats’ dominance at RAC Arena and the 36ers’ resilience at Adelaide Entertainment Centre set the stage for competitive battles.

The January 17, 2025, game at RAC Arena was a standout, showcasing individual brilliance and tactical execution. Below, we break down player performances, key statistics, and strategic insights from this matchup and other recent games.

Key Matchup:Perth Wildcats 110, Adelaide 36ers 103

The clash was a high-scoring affair, with Perth securing a 110-103 victory, as reported by Proballers. Both teams showcased offensive firepower, but Perth’s clutch plays and rebounding edge proved decisive. Here’s a detailed look at the player stats based on Proballers and Sofascore data.

Perth Wildcats Player Stats

The Wildcats leaned on their star duo and supporting cast to outpace Adelaide:

• Kristian Doolittle (Forward): Doolittle was the standout, scoring 27 points on 10-for-16 shooting, including three 3-pointers. He added 10 rebounds for a double-double, showcasing his versatility. His mid-range jumpers and defensive rebounds were critical in maintaining Perth’s lead.
• Bryce Cotton (Guard): Cotton, the NBL’s leading scorer at 23.4 PPG, contributed 22 points, hitting four 3-pointers and going 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. He dished out 5 assists, including a key pass to Keanu Pinder for a dunk. His scoring in the fourth quarter sealed the win.
• Keanu Pinder (Forward): Pinder added 15 points and 8 rebounds, dominating the paint with two dunks. His 2 blocks disrupted Adelaide’s interior game, and his offensive rebound led to a crucial second-chance basket.
• Elijah Pepper (Guard): Pepper scored 12 points off the bench, including three 3-pointers. His career-high five 3-pointers in a prior game highlight his growing impact, per Sydney Kings’ stat reports.
• Vic Law (Forward): Law chipped in 10 points and 6 rebounds, maintaining his strong form (20.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG over his last two games prior, per Wildcats’ website).

Perth shot 48% from the field (40-for-83) and 38% from three (12-for-32), while outrebounding Adelaide 42-35. Their 22 assists on 40 made field goals underscored their fluid ball movement.

Adelaide 36ers Player Stats

The 36ers fought valiantly, led by their dynamic backcourt:

• Kendric Davis (Guard): Davis was sensational, scoring 31 points on 12-for-20 shooting, including four 3-pointers. He added 7 assists, orchestrating Adelaide’s offense with precision. His late-game heroics, including a step-back three, kept the 36ers in contention.
• Dejan Vasiljevic (Guard): Vasiljevic contributed 18 points, hitting three 3-pointers and going 5-for-6 from the free-throw line. His 4 rebounds and 3 assists showed his all-around game, but he struggled defensively against Cotton.
• Montrezl Harrell (Forward): Harrell, a former NBA standout, scored 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. His two blocks and physical presence challenged Perth’s frontcourt, but he missed key free throws (4-for-7).
• Isaac Humphries (Center): Humphries added 12 points and 6 rebounds, including a dunk assisted by Davis. His interior defense was tested by Pinder and Doolittle.
• Cairns Brothers (Guards): Nick and Alex Cairns combined for 10 points off the bench, providing a spark with two 3-pointers. Their energy helped Adelaide stay competitive.

Adelaide shot 46% from the field (38-for-83) and 35% from three (10-for-29). They matched Perth’s intensity but committed 14 turnovers, which Perth converted into 18 points.

Game Flow and Turning Points

Perth led 58-52 at halftime, driven by Doolittle’s 15 first-half points. Adelaide mounted a third-quarter comeback, cutting the deficit to 82-80 behind Davis’ 12-point burst. However, Cotton’s back-to-back 3-pointers and Pinder’s dunk in the fourth quarter restored Perth’s lead. A late steal by Pepper led to a fast-break layup, securing the 110-103 win. Perth’s 14 second-chance points, fueled by 12 offensive rebounds, were a difference-maker.

Comparative Analysis:Matchup

For context, let’s examine the December 8, 2024, game, where Perth defeated Adelaide 104-89, per Tips.GG. This game highlighted Perth’s dominance and Adelaide’s struggles.

Perth Wildcats Highlights

• Bryce Cotton: Scored 25 points, including five 3-pointers, and added 6 assists. His scoring outburst in the third quarter broke the game open.
• Kristian Doolittle: Recorded a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds, dominating the boards.
• Vic Law: Added 16 points and 7 rebounds, reinforcing his impact.
• Keanu Pinder: Contributed 14 points and 2 blocks, anchoring the defense.

Perth shot 50% from the field and 40% from three, with 25 assists on 38 made field goals. Their 15 second-chance points exploited Adelaide’s rebounding woes.

Adelaide 36ers Highlights

• Kendric Davis: Led with 22 points and 5 assists, but shot 8-for-19 under Perth’s pressure.
• Dejan Vasiljevic: Scored 15 points, hitting two 3-pointers, but committed 3 turnovers.
• Montrezl Harrell: Added 12 points and 6 rebounds, but fouled out late.
• Isaac Humphries: Scored 10 points, but struggled defensively against Pinder.

Adelaide shot 43% from the field and turned the ball over 16 times, leading to 20 points for Perth. Their 32 rebounds were outmatched by Perth’s 40.

Statistical Trends and Insights

Analyzing the 2024-25 season and these matchups reveals key trends:

• Perth’s Scoring Depth: Bryce Cotton (23.4 PPG) and Kristian Doolittle (15.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG) form a lethal duo, with Vic Law and Keanu Pinder adding firepower. Perth ranks third in the NBL for second-chance points (14.7 per game), per Sydney Kings’ stats.
• Adelaide’s Guard Play: Kendric Davis (18.5 PPG, 6.2 APG) and Dejan Vasiljevic (14.8 PPG) drive Adelaide’s offense, but their 13.5 turnovers per game are a liability.
• Rebounding Disparity: Perth averages 38.5 rebounds per game compared to Adelaide’s 34.2, with Doolittle and Pinder leading the charge. Adelaide’s defensive rebounding struggles (25.8 per game) allow second-chance opportunities.
• Three-Point Shooting: Perth’s 36% 3-point shooting edges Adelaide’s 34%. Cotton and Pepper’s long-range accuracy stretches defenses, while Davis and Vasiljevic keep Adelaide competitive.

Strategic Takeaways

For Perth, maintaining their rebounding edge and leveraging Cotton’s scoring in clutch moments is critical. Coach Scott Morrison’s emphasis on offensive rebounding (Adelaide is the league’s best, per Wildcats’ website) neutralizes opponents’ transition games. Improving their true shooting percentage (51.3%, ninth in NBL) could make them unstoppable.

Adelaide must reduce turnovers and bolster defensive rebounding. Coach Scott Ninnis’ up-tempo offense generates open looks, but protecting the ball against Perth’s pressure is essential. Harrell’s physicality and Davis’ playmaking can exploit mismatches if executed cleanly.

Player Spotlights: Rising Stars

• Bryce Cotton (Perth): A three-time NBL MVP, Cotton’s 23.4 PPG and clutch scoring make him the league’s premier guard. His 24.7 PPG career average against Adelaide underscores his dominance.
• Kristian Doolittle (Perth): Doolittle’s three consecutive 10+ rebound games (longest active streak, per Sydney Kings) and scoring versatility position him as a breakout star.
• Kendric Davis (Adelaide): Davis’ 31-point outburst on January 17 highlights his potential. His 6.2 APG and scoring flair make him a cornerstone for Adelaide.
• Montrezl Harrell (Adelaide): The NBA veteran’s physicality (12.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG) adds grit, but improving free-throw shooting (65%) is key.

Fan and Analyst Perspectives

Posts on X reflect fan excitement, with Perth supporters praising Cotton’s clutch play and Adelaide fans lauding Davis’ scoring. Analysts on ESPN and Flashscore note Perth’s home dominance (14 straight wins when leading at halftime at RAC Arena) and Adelaide’s inconsistent form (four losses in last five games before December 28, 2024, per Oddspedia). Both teams are projected to vie for playoff spots.

Conclusion

The Adelaide 36ers vs Perth Wildcats rivalry continues to deliver thrilling basketball, with the January 17, 2025, game (110-103 Perth win) showcasing elite talent and strategic depth. Standout performances from Kristian Doolittle, Bryce Cotton, and Kendric Davis defined the matchup, while rebounding and turnovers shaped the outcome. As both teams compete in the NBL 2024-25 season, their encounters remain must-watch events.

FAQS