Blunted Wildcats searching for edge

The Perth Wildcats have been blunted in recent defeats to New Zealand and Illawarra, and combative forward Hyrum Harris says the side is working to reclaim its edge ahead of what will be the New Zealand international’s first NBL Finals campaign.

While the Wildcats could still mathematically finish in first or third, the difference in their win/loss record and percentage with both Melbourne and Tasmania means the 10-time champions are all but locked into finishing in second on the ladder come season’s end.

A mid-season run of form in which the Wildcats went 13-2 has been the catalyst for their return to contention, and Harris says his side needs to re-find the spark that lit the fire for their most successful period this season.

“The biggest thing we talk about is we have to find our edge, we have to find what makes us a really great team again,” Harris said.

“I think we’ve gone away from it in the last two home games, that’s pushing the pace, rebounding and creating easy scores, and then on the other end we need to be better defensively.

“We went through that chunk in the middle of the season when we played really well. We’re trying to find our feet again and get back to that form.

“We’re doing a good job at practice getting after each other and competing, so hopefully that shows on Saturday against the Taipans. I know they’re in a tough spot and they’re going to come in hungry for this win.

"We need to meet their aggressiveness and be better than them on that end … they’re always going to come with an aggressiveness and energy, they’re a talented team, they’ve got really good imports and really good locals as well, and they play hard defensively.

“It’s a challenge, and we’re up for the challenge.”

Harris was unable to have a large impact on proceedings in Perth’s last-time-out loss to New Zealand after finding himself in early foul trouble.

He picked up three fouls in barely 90 seconds of play, and found himself glued to the bench after picking up four fouls in just four minutes.

“It is what it is, I’m just going to have to be better at the end of the day. Four fouls in four minutes is pretty bad, so I’m going to have to be better,” Harris said.

“It sucks watching, it always sucks watching, even at practice. To be out there but have no control over it was tough, but we’re playing a team sport, not an individual sport, so it’s more about the team than my emotions at the end of the day.

“Sitting out early sucked and hopefully I can stay away from it this weekend.”

Perth’s clash with Cairns will tip off on Saturday night at 8pm, live on ESPN via Kayo.