Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats NBL Finals Game Preview
Melbourne United vs Perth Wildcats Expert Analysis
Melbourne United and the Perth Wildcats are set to battle it out in a do-or-die Game 3, with a spot in the NBL Championship Series on the line.
This series has had everything – from Melbourne’s perimeter lockdown in Game 1 to Perth’s historic comeback in Game 2. Now, both teams will leave nothing in the tank as they take the court at John Cain Arena.
The Wildcats, led by Bryce Cotton, will look to carry their momentum from a remarkable comeback win, while Melbourne will aim to regain their composure and control the game on their home floor. Expect a shootout, with both teams ready to fire from deep and put up big numbers.
Key Matchups
Bryce Cotton vs. Shea Ili – Ili has done an excellent job limiting Cotton ’s impact, but with Dylan Windler drawing defensive attention, Cotton could finally break free.
Kristian Doolittle vs. Melbourne Bigs – Doolittle has been a beast on the boards, averaging 10 RPG in this series, and his size will be a major factor inside.
Chris Goulding vs. Perth’s Perimeter Defence – Goulding exploded for 41 points in Game 1 but was held to just 15 in Game 2. Can the veteran rediscover his scoring touch?
Key Stats
Melbourne United's home games – 9 of their past 10 at John Cain Arena have gone over the game total.
Melbourne vs. Perth at John Cain Arena – The last four matchups have all gone over the game total.
Bryce Cotton bounce-back games – He averages 31 points in games directly following being held under 20 in NBL25.
Kristian Doolittle’s rebounding dominance – Averaging 10 RPG in this series.
Why Melbourne United Wins
Melbourne knows how to defend its home court, and after blowing a 20-point lead in Game 2, expect a more focused and composed performance. If Goulding rediscovers his rhythm and Melbourne controls the tempo, they have the firepower to overwhelm Perth. United’s defence has also been strong throughout the season, and if they can keep Perth under 100 points, their chances of advancing improve dramatically.
Why Perth Wildcats Win
Momentum is everything, and the Wildcats have it in spades after their Game 2 comeback. Bryce Cotton is overdue for a breakout performance, and if he gets hot early, Melbourne could struggle to contain him. Kristian Doolittle’s presence inside will provide second-chance opportunities, while Dylan Windler has emerged as a legitimate scoring threat. If Perth’s bench can replicate their Game 2 impact, the Wildcats will be hard to stop.
Conclusion
This series has been a rollercoaster, and Game 3 promises to be no different. Melbourne United will be desperate to bounce back after their Game 2 collapse, but the Wildcats have the momentum and a history of delivering in big moments. With both teams capable of lighting it up, expect a high-scoring, down-to-the-wire contest that could come down to who executes better in crunch time.
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