Perth Wildcats draw first blood in NBL Grand Final series

JamesEnnis

Runners-up in the last two seasons, Perth got off to an ideal start in the three-game series with James Ennis playing a starring role.

The 23-year-old American contributed 30 points to help Perth - who topped the NBL ladder ahead of the 36ers - edge towards their first NBL Championship win since the 2009-10 season.

Ennis added 10 rebounds and four assists and his influence on the contest was immediate, scoring inside the first minute.

Perth took a five-point lead into the first break and they extended that to 11 at half time, with Jermaine Beal (19 points) also impressing.

Adelaide had an even spread of contributors, with five players scoring 12 points or more, but whenever they threatened a comeback, Perth stood up.

Daniel Johnson (18 points, eight rebounds) was the 36ers' best and Luke Schenscher (12 points, seven rebounds) was also in good form.

Despite their efforts, Perth still led by 12 points at the final break, and although Adelaide finished marginally better, it ultimately mattered little.

While Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson declared himself "pretty pleased" with his side's effort, his opposite number Joey Wright claims the 36ers have yet to hit top gear.  

"We didn't play our best but we were right there," he said.

"We shot better percentages than they did from the field, from the three-point line and free-throw line. The difference was that we gave them too many points at the line - 47 free throws is too many.

"If they can shoot 47 free throws and we lose by five we can take that and say they got 31 of their 92 points from the line... we can do a better job."

Adelaide host the second game of the series on Friday knowing that defeat will hand Perth the title.

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