John Rillie wants Kristian Doolittle to get more credit after dominating for Perth Wildcats in key NBL win

Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie has declared star import Kristian Doolittle doesn’t get enough credit for the impact he has on the NBL after he inspired the team to a seven-point win over Illawarra on Saturday. Doolittle was outstanding and his 26 points included 15 in the third quarter despite suffering an injury scare during the second term. His consecutive three-pointers near the end of the quarter gave Perth a crucial buffer and then he continued to lead by example when the game was on the line. Doolittle has barely rested on the bench during Perth’s run of three games in six days and had 38 minutes on the court as the Wildcats won 106-99 at the WIN Entertainment Centre. Rillie said nobody should ever underestimate his brilliance. “Maybe I’m spoilt because I get to see him operate every single day. It’s thrown out there that he’s a great two-way player. He probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves,” he said. “We ask a lot of him, especially in a game like tonight. He was battling McGee, Froling and Peatling. Then he was initiating a lot of offence in tough moments. “He’s a competitor. He’s just out there balling.” All of Perth’s starters had big games. Dylan Windler had 22 points, five rebounds and five assists, Ben Henshall was massive with 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists, Elijah Pepper produced 19 points and Jo Lual-Acuil scored 14 points. Henshall’s efforts in recent games have been huge for Perth and Windler said he’d been one of the success stories of the season. “I’ve seen a lot of growth of him over the course of the season. He’s just staying with it,” Windler said. “He’s been aggressive for us over the last few games which has let him score more points. That’s what this team needs. He’s doing a good job of getting us facilitated and he’s making some good plays for us. All around he has been a huge part of this winning streak for us.” The Wildcats trailed by 13 points early in the game but didn’t panic. The in means they are now level with fourth placed Melbourne at 18-11 with four matches remaining, and their next two games are against the two bottom teams – Cairns and Brisbane. Perth have won seven of their last eight games and the Wildcats have now won five games when trailing by 10 points or more. Windler said the team should take enormous confidence from their improvement throughout the season. “We’re doing a better job of staying composed in these tight games,” he said. “Especially when we get down. We’re staying composed and getting into our offence. But most importantly, late in games when they are able to make a run and feel like they are about to change the momentum, we’re doing a good job of staying under control.” The result was a body blow for Illawarra’s chance of making the top six and they are now in serious danger of not being able to compete in the post-season and defend last year’s championship. Hawks coach Justin Tatum said his players had to find a way to start winning games. “.Its nice to walk home and say we’ve still got a chance. But if we don’t take advantage of that chance, then what’s the point?” Tatum said.