Wildcats overcome Kings hits
High-profile Sydney Kings import Josh Childress faces a potentially heavy suspension after being ejected from Perth Arena for a "cheap shot" on Wildcats forward Jesse Wagstaff on Friday night.
The Wildcats' 84-63 win was their most comprehensive performance of the season and featured one of captain Damian Martin's best individual displays.
But it was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding former NBA veteran Childress and Kings sharpshooter Ben Madgen, who was also thrown out after twice being called for flopping amid farcical scenes.
Wagstaff put Childress on his back with an off-the-ball screen during the third quarter before receiving the ball and scoring with a close-range jump shot.
As Wagstaff shot the ball, Childress charged at him, connecting with a raised right elbow to Wagstaff's head.
Players came from everywhere to remonstrate with Childress as Wagstaff lay on the floor.
The incident left the 12,469-strong home crowd incensed and will be assessed by NBL officials in the coming days after Childress was officially reported for striking.
Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson called for the 391-game NBA player to be suspended.
"I've just seen it then and I thought it was a pretty cheap shot," Gleeson said.
"There's no room for that in our game and I hope the league takes a stand on it because it wasn't deserved.
"You do that in AFL and you're out. Anything around the head is a no-no."
Sydney coach Damian Cotter believed Wagstaff should have had a foul called against him for the initial contact.
"I think Childress was frustrated and maybe he overreacted. I don't know, I'll have to have a look at it," Cotter said.
"I thought the first one was a pretty physical foul that I felt was missed.
"But for us, we've got to keep our composure. It's not just Childress, it's everybody."
Martin was the star from the outset, harassing Sydney guard Kendrick Perry and forcing the import into a string of early turnovers with help from Wagstaff and Shawn Redhage.
Martin is widely regarded as the league's best defensive player and arguably the best of all time, having won the past four NBL defensive player of the year awards.
He finished with a career-high nine steals to go with his nine rebounds and eight assists.
Jermaine Beal (16 points) and Wagstaff (15) were the top scorers for the Wildcats, who had five players reach double figures in a solid team display.
Madgen top-scored for Sydney with 15 points before controversially being called for his second flop in the fourth quarter.
The win moved Perth (2-1) into second spot on the ladder behind early pacesetters Cairns (5-0), who beat New Zealand on the road on Thursday.
The Wildcats next week head interstate for the first time this season, visiting Wollongong on Friday and Townsville on Sunday.
