Lowery: 'It's Bryce time'

The stage is set for a Game 3 showdown between two of the most successful clubs in recent history and Damon Lowery believes the five-time MVP is ready for another award-winning performance.

“This is what I’m worried about if I’m a Melbourne United supporter ... I have not seen the Bryce (Cotton) game yet,” he said on NBL Now.

“Bryce got 22 in Game 1 ... 18 in Game 2. Shea (Ili) is doing a great job, but it isn’t just Shea, it’s the collective. That’s team defence at its best.”

United have been focused heavily on containing the Wildcats’ superstar guard, which has allowed some of Perth’s other starters to step up.

“We finally saw what Dylan Windler could do,” Lowery added.

“That kind of performance that he put in Saturday Night was what they hoped they might see more from him throughout the course of the year.”

The former first round NBA pick had 27 points and 11 rebounds in the Wildcats’ astonishing comeback win.

For United, Lowery says they have enough pieces to pick themselves back up after their historic collapse.

“They’re going to have to rely on veteran leadership,” he said.

“I’m talking about Ian Clark, Matthew Dellavedova and Chris Goulding. It’s those three guys.”

While those three stars have tasted success, all eyes will be on Jack White after his struggles in Game 2 became amplified at the free-throw line.

“The one they have to get up is obviously Jack White. They have to rally around this dude,” Lowery said.

“He’s still a great rebounder. He can still play some D. He’s making his three balls. But if he’s anywhere near that foul line in the clutch, it’s probably going to be a problem for them.”

It’s all to play for on Tuesday night at John Cain Arena, with only one team’s season continuing on when it’s all over.

“The fact of the matter is it is one game and 40 minutes that separates us from a Grand Final Series or going home and season over,” Wildcats’ captain Jesse Wagstaff said Monday.

“That’s the same situation for them and same situation for us.

“It’s exciting. This is why you play basketball. It’s an exciting time of year when all the biccies are up for grabs.”

Watch a massive night of NBL action, with NBL Slam from 5.30pm AEDT, followed by a live edition of Overtime, the Pre-Game Show, then tip-off between Melbourne United and Perth from 7.30pm AEDT.