Phoenix Bounce Back Over Wildcats in Home Opener

The Wildcats came out of the blocks with an 8-0 run before a Tyler Cook lit up the Fire Pit with six first-quarter points.

The momentum rose for Phoenix in the second term as they bought the margin back within reach through a Ben Ayre three-pointer.

Before an offensive foul on Will Cummings that led to his own bucket got the roof shaking at the Fire Pit and Phoenix were down by one.

Remarkably, the Phoenix got out to as much as a 30-point lead before head coach Mike Kelly sat his starting five and opted for the development players.

Perth coach John Rillie said his side were too 'emotional' but lauded his young star Ben Henshall who dropped 24 points in his first real hit-out.

Creeky is back!

After a topsy-turvy first hit out against Melbourne United, Mitch Creek roared back in a big way. Not only was his leadership on show in 25 minutes of court time, his skill was too. He ended the night with 23 points and nine rebounds but it was his nous to score just when his side needed it which should earn him the most plaudits.

(After a quiet game on Thursday, Creek was back to his best with 23-points in Sunday's win.)

Posterised!

The Fire Pit came alight when Gary Browne hit Tyler Cook as his bolted through the middle lane and propelled for a dunk. Unfortunately for Next Star Alexandre Sarr he jumped for the block and became an instant photo classic. Not only did Cook finish the dunk, but he let Sarr know about it which ignited a war of words before the two. Post-game Cook said he respected Sarr for not backing down and defending himself.

Cook ended the game with his first NBL double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Cummings Lights the Fire

With the game on a knife's edge, Phoenix import Will Cummings stood up. He ended the night with 18 points, four rebounds and four assists but it was a third-quarter burst that saw him score six-straight points and skyrocket the home side to a lead they wouldn't again give up.

Full Time Stats

Creek: 23p/9r/1a
Cook: 23p/10r/2a
Cummings: 18p/4r/4a/3stls
Browne: 12p/2r/3a/1stl
Ayre: 11p/2r/1a/1stl
Te Rangi: 10p/4r
Rosendale: 6p
Rissetto: 4p/2r
Moller: 2p/4r/1a/2blk
Kenyon: 1p/1r
Vague: 5r/1a
Foxwell: 1a/1stl

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Phoenix have two away games in round 2 against Cairns Taipans and Illawrra Hawks before they return home on October 14 to take on the Tasmania JackJumpers.

>>CLICK HERE to secure your seat for round 3