The Perth Wildcats have secured their third consecutive NBL victory, defeating the Tasmania JackJumpers 101-95 in a thrilling Friday night clash at RAC Arena, with new import David Duke jnr playing a pivotal role.
Defensive Masterclass Shuts Down Star Scorer
Wildcats coach John Rillie heaped praise on David Duke jnr for his superb defensive job on Tasmania's prolific scorer, Bryce Hamilton. Hamilton had torched the Wildcats for 26 points in both of their previous encounters this season, but Duke's relentless defence held him to a mere 13 points in this crucial match.
Demonstrating his two-way value, Duke also contributed 19 points to the Wildcats' scoreboard. This performance continues a remarkable trend for the newcomer, who has taken on the opposition's best player in each of his four games since joining the team mid-season, including a match-up against five-time MVP Bryce Cotton.
The Professional Standard of an NBA-Calibre Player
Coach Rillie declared that Duke is setting a new standard for professionalism that other players should aspire to if they want to reach the NBA. Having previously played for the San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets, Duke's approach to preparation is what separates him.
"He's a professional athlete paid to perform at what he's doing," Rillie stated. "He wants to be the best basketballer he can be. He is someone who is doing his job at a high level. People talk about what's a NBA player? He's tried to be a NBA player. If you want to play at that level, you need to be professional. That's what he's doing."
Duke revealed the extensive work he does behind the scenes, studying opponents long before game day. "I've watched pretty much every team in this league," Duke said. "I don't want to just learn guys the week we are playing them. On my off days if there is a game on, I always try to throw it on and study."
Wildcats Fire on All Cylinders in Team Performance
The win improves the Wildcats' record to a strong 8-5 for the season. While Duke's defence was a highlight, the victory was a full-team effort.
Kristian Doolittle was instrumental, erupting for 13 points in the first quarter alone to erase an early nine-point deficit for the Wildcats. He finished the night with an impressive 30 points, six assists, and four rebounds.
Jo Lual-Acuil jnr was also a major force inside, scoring 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds before fouling out. For the Tasmania JackJumpers, Josh Bannan led all scorers with 29 points, while Majok Deng recorded a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
The Wildcats now face their next challenge against the ladder-leading Melbourne United in Victoria on Sunday, where Duke will likely be handed the crucial assignment of guarding superstar shooter Chris Goulding.
