Follow the match

Perth Wildcats

08-22 12:00

102 - 87

End

Cairns Taipans

Overview

Chat

132

Intelligence

Standings

Prediction

Live Match

Statistics

H2H

Team

Total

Perth Wildcats

102

Cairns Taipans

Perth Wildcats

Cairns Taipans

2 points

3 points

Free Throws

Free Throws Rate

TO--

--TO

Foul

Ended102 - 87

10:00

Doolittle missed the jump ball

0-0

10:00

Galloway won by jump ball

0-0

9:50

Pindel's turnover

0-0

9:30

Achur made a mistake

0-0

9:12

Pindel hit a three-pointer jumper

0-3

9:12

Smith assisted

0-3

8:47

Whitt missed a 2-point jumper

0-3

8:47

Delso grabbed offensive rebounds

0-3

8:37

Delso hit a three-pointer on a jumper

3-3

8:37

Doolittle assisted

3-3

8:22

Pindel's three-point jumper missed

3-3

8:22

Delso defensively rebounded

3-3

8:13

Whitt scored 2 points and missed a backhand layup

3-3

8:13

Pindel defended the rebound

3-3

8:04

Galloway missed a 2-point layup

3-3

8:04

Pepper cover

3-3

8:04

Pepper defended the rebound

3-3

7:54

Pepper missed a step-back jumper from a three-pointer

3-3

7:54

Offensive rebounds

3-3

7:49

Doolittle hit a three-pointer

6-3

7:42

Pindel's turnover

6-3

7:27

Achur missed a three-point jumper

6-3

7:27

Smith defensively rebounded

6-3

7:22

Bruce hit a three-pointer with a pull-up jumper

6-6

7:22

Smith assisted

6-6

7:07

Pepper missed a 2-point layup

6-6

7:07

Pindel covers the canopy

6-6

7:07

Delso grabbed offensive rebounds

6-6

6:59

Delso scored a putback for a 2-pointer

8-6

6:47

Galloway missed a three-point jumper

8-6

6:47

Pepper defended the rebound

8-6

6:42

Bruce committed a personal foul

8-6

6:42

Doolittle fouled

8-6

6:42

Brandt and T. Kopa were substituted, Pepper and Achur were substituted

8-6

6:42

Nunn and Williamson were substituted, while Pindel and Bruce were substituted

8-6

6:42

Doolittle's first free throw (2nd free throw): missed

8-6

6:42

Doolittle's second free throw (2 free throws): Made

9-6

6:42

Pepper assists

9-6

6:42

Wagstaff substituted in, Doolittle came on

9-6

6:34

Williamson missed a 2-point layup

9-6

6:34

Delso defensively rebounded

9-6

6:24

Delso hit a two-point jumper

11-6

6:24

Pause

11-6

6:16

Whitt committed a personal foul

11-6

6:16

Brown committed a foul

11-6

6:13

Smith hit a three-pointer jumper

11-9

6:13

Nun's assist

11-9

5:50

Delso hit a three-pointer on a jumper

14-9

5:50

Whitt assisted

14-9

5:35

Smith committed a foul

14-9

5:35

Whitt committed a personal foul

14-9

5:35

Pepper was subbed in, Whitt was subbed out

14-9

5:35

Antonio was subbed in, Brown was subbed in

14-9

5:35

Smith's first free throw (2nd): missed

14-9

5:35

Smith's second free throw (2 free throws): Made

14-10

5:27

Galloway committed a personal foul

14-10

5:27

Wagstaff committed a foul

14-10

5:27

McVay was substituted, Smith was substituted

14-10

5:27

Wagstaff's first free throw (2 free throws): missed

14-10

5:27

Wagstaff's second free throw (2 free throws): Made

15-10

5:11

Antonio missed a three-point jumper

15-10

5:11

Pepper defended the rebound

15-10

5:03

Pepper committed a foul

15-10

5:03

Antonio committed a personal foul

15-10

5:03

Tisha and Doolittle were substituted, Delso and Wagstaff were substituted

15-10

5:03

Pepper's first free throw (2nd free throw): Made

16-10

5:03

Pepper's second free throw (2 free throws): Made

17-10

4:52

Williamson made a mistake

17-10

4:52

Tisha stole the ball

17-10

4:46

T. Kopa hit a three-pointer jumper

20-10

4:46

Pepper assists

20-10

4:32

Galloway hit a two-point jumper

20-12

4:32

McVey assisted

20-12

4:32

Pindel was substituted, Galloway was substituted

20-12

4:32

Achur was substituted, Brandt was substituted

20-12

4:14

Doolittle made a turnover

20-12

4:14

McVey stole the ball

20-12

4:06

Williamson missed a two-point jumper

20-12

4:06

Doolittle defensively rebounded

20-12

4:02

McVeigh committed a personal foul

20-12

4:02

Achur committed a foul

20-12

4:02

Bruce was subbed in, Nunn was subbed out

20-12

3:56

Achur missed a 2-point jumper

20-12

3:56

Achur grabbed offensive rebounds

20-12

3:56

Williamson committed a personal foul

20-12

3:56

Achur committed a foul

20-12

3:56

Achur's first free throw (2nd free throw): Missed

20-12

3:56

Achur's second free throw (2 free throws): Made

21-12

3:40

Williamson missed a 2-point layup

21-12

3:40

Achur defended the rebound

21-12

3:34

Pepper missed a three-pointer with a pull-up jumper

21-12

3:34

Tisha scored offensive rebounds

21-12

3:20

T. Kopa hit a three-pointer jumper

24-12

3:20

Tisha assists

24-12

3:03

McVey missed a 2-point layup

24-12

3:03

Covered with sandy leaves

24-12

3:03

Tisha defensively rebounded

24-12

2:55

Achur scored 2 points on a layup

26-12

2:55

Doolittle assisted

26-12

2:55

Delso, Whit, and Wagstaff came on, while Pepper, Tisha, and T. Kopa came on

26-12

2:55

Galloway and Smith were brought on, Antonio and Williamson were substituted

26-12

2:46

Galloway missed a three-point jumper

26-12

2:46

Doolittle defensively rebounded

26-12

2:37

Doolittle hit a 3-pointer with a pull-up jumper

29-12

2:28

Wagstaff committed a personal foul

29-12

2:28

Smith committed a foul

29-12

2:20

Galloway hit a three-pointer jumper

29-15

2:20

Pindel assisted

29-15

1:59

Delso's 2-point jumper missed

29-15

1:59

Delso grabbed offensive rebounds

29-15

1:44

Doolittle hit a two-point jumper

31-15

1:20

Galloway hit a three-pointer jumper

31-18

1:20

Bruce assisted

31-18

56.0

Doolittle hit a three-pointer

34-18

31.0

Pindel's turnover

34-18

31.0

Delso stole the ball

34-18

28.0

Delso committed an offensive foul

34-18

28.0

Delso made a mistake

34-18

28.0

Smith committed a foul

34-18

28.0

T. Kopa was substituted, Doolittle was substituted

34-18

28.0

Brown was subbed in, McVay was subbed in

34-18

9.0

Smith hit a three-pointer jumper

34-21

9.0

Bruce assisted

34-21

0.0

Delso hit a three-pointer on a jumper

37-21

0.0

Whitt assisted

37-21

0.0

End of the first quarter

37-21

Match Info

### Perth Wildcats Overpower Cairns Taipans 102–87 in High-Scoring NBL Clash The **Perth Wildcats** produced a commanding offensive display to defeat the **Cairns Taipans** 102–87 on 22 August 2026, continuing their strong preparations ahead of the National Basketball League season. Playing in front of a lively home crowd, Perth used a dominant third-quarter surge to break open a tight contest and showcase the depth that has made them perennial championship contenders. From the opening tip, both teams traded blows in a fast-paced, entertaining matchup. The Taipans started confidently, moving the ball crisply and knocking down perimeter shots to stay within touching distance. Cairns actually held a slim lead early in the second quarter, but the Wildcats’ relentless pressure on the glass and their transition scoring quickly flipped the momentum. By halftime, Perth had edged ahead, setting the stage for the decisive burst after the break. #### Match Overview and Key Run The contest was decided in a six-minute stretch during the third quarter. Perth turned up the defensive intensity, forced multiple turnovers, and converted them into easy fast-break points. A 17–4 run, powered by sharp outside shooting and aggressive drives to the rim, pushed the lead past 20 points. Cairns showed fight in the final period, trimming the margin with a 10–2 spurt, but the Wildcats answered each run with timely baskets to maintain control. - **Final Score:** Perth Wildcats 102, Cairns Taipans 87 - **Key Quarter:** Third – Perth outscored Cairns 31–18 - **Biggest Lead:** 23 points (Perth) The home side’s balanced scoring proved too much for the Taipans to handle. The Wildcats had multiple players reach double figures, with the backcourt leading the way. Perth also dominated the rebounding battle, particularly on the offensive end, which created numerous second-chance opportunities. Their ability to push the pace and score off turnovers was the defining difference on the night. #### Standout Performers For Perth, the dynamic guard pairing was instrumental. Their lead guard orchestrated the offense with poise, finishing as the team’s top scorer while also dishing out a game-high in assists. The frontcourt contributed heavily on the glass, with one forward recording a double-double. The bench also played a significant role, maintaining the intensity when the starters rested. Cairns had their moments as well. The Taipans were led by their import guard, who showcased a polished mid-range game and knocked down several contested threes. Their starting center was a force in the paint, protecting the rim and scoring inside. However, Cairns struggled with turnovers and inconsistent perimeter defense, which allowed Perth to generate easy looks throughout the night. #### Tactical Story and Season Context This matchup highlighted two different styles. Perth leaned on its athleticism and depth, constantly pressuring the ball and running in transition. Cairns attempted to slow the tempo and execute in the half-court, but the Wildcats’ relentless energy made it difficult to find clean looks. Perth’s late-game composure and ability to execute in the clutch were also positive signs for a team with championship aspirations. With the regular season approaching, this result gives Perth valuable momentum and confidence. For Cairns, the loss serves as a learning experience. Head coach and players will surely review the film, focusing on defensive communication and ball security. While preseason results mean little in a 10-month campaign, the effort level and execution provided a clear measuring stick for both squads. As the NBL season nears, the Wildcats look like a team firing on all cylinders. Cairns, despite the defeat, showed enough spark to suggest they will be competitive when the real games begin. If this game was any indication, basketball fans in Australia are in for another thrilling season.