Keanu Pinder Shines Bright as Perth Wildcats Secure Game 1 Victory in NBL Playoffs Against Tasmania JackJumpers

Keanu Pinder’s triumphant return to the court spurred the Perth Wildcats to a stirring 89-81 victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers in Game 1 of the NBL Playoff Series, showcasing a dazzling performance to cherish.

Having endured a heartbreaking absence from last season’s NBL Finals due to a facial injury sustained with the Cairns Taipans, Pinder donned a mask to resume his career, making a resounding impact on the court at the iconic RAC Arena.

The fervently contested match unfolded with razor-thin margins throughout, captivating fans with its physicality and the intensifying whistle symphony that underscored every pivotal moment.

The fourth quarter escalated dramatically as Jack McVeigh’s consecutive three-pointers ignited the JackJumpers, only for Marcus Lee to follow suit, propelling the visitors to a six-point lead and prompting a swift timeout from Perth coach John Rillie.

Pinder, undeterred, spearheaded the Wildcats’ resurgence with a flurry of three-pointers, culminating in a career-high tally of five, amassing an impressive 25 points and 7 rebounds for the night, cemented by a breathtaking one-handed dunk over Lee.

The early exchanges were laden with fouls, with 19 called in the first quarter, affording Perth a staggering 15 free throw attempts before both Bryce Cotton and Milton Doyle found their rhythm in the ensuing periods.

At halftime, the Wildcats clung to a narrow 46-43 lead, a margin that endured into the third quarter, before Tasmania’s spirited surge set the stage for a tense final period.

In a gripping finale, after falling six points behind, Perth mounted a stirring comeback, outscoring their rivals 15-4 down the stretch, sealing the victory emphatically from the foul line with a stellar 29-of-32 conversion rate.

While the four-time MVP Bryce Cotton tallied a modest 15 points, Jordan Usher, Hyrum Harris, Kristian Doolittle, and Next Star Alex Sarr contributed effectively to secure the pivotal win on home soil.

As the final buzzer heralded Perth’s triumph, coach Rillie cautioned against complacency, acknowledging the series’ unforgiving nature and the imperativeness of maintaining focus and intensity.

Tasmania’s Jordon Crawford spearheaded their efforts with 19 points, supported by the likes of Milton Doyle and Will Magnay, although Coach Scott Roth lamented the team’s missed opportunities in the clutch moments that ultimately swung the tide in Perth’s favor.

The stage is now set for Game 2 in Hobart, promising another riveting chapter in this enthralling NBL Playoff series.