‘Injury bug’ bites another team as Wildcats survive thriller
The growing “injury bug” across the NBL has continued, with Perth Wildcats star Jo Lual-Acuil forced off early in his side’s win over the New Zealand Breakers.
Lual-Acuil departed the contest during the first quarter and was spotted with ice wrapped around his leg as his Perth teammates held on for a 97-93 victory.
Jo Lual-Acuil with ice on his leg. Nine
The 32-year-old was unable to make any real impact before leaving the court at RAC Arena, managing just two points and one rebound.
“Jo Lual-Acuil has been the problem, I understand he’s picked up the injury in the opening quarter,” John Casey said on the Nine broadcast.
“It’s almost getting to epidemic proportions in terms of injuries in the NBL, with almost 20 per cent of all players are on the injury list and that’s not a good sign.“
Co-commentator Damon Lowery admitted the injury rate across the league was a growing concern, especially given the nature of the issues.
“The injury bug has bitten every team in the league in the arse so far. It’s unfortunate, a lot of soft tissue injuries as well,” Lowery said.
Perth took an early lead but were on the receiving-end of a blistering 17-point swing for the Breakers, who took control in the first half.
The hosts regrouped at the main break and regained the lead with a strong third quarter, before things went down to the wire in the final period.
Kristian Doolittle had been quiet until he exploded with a clutch three-pointer to give the Wildcats a timely buffer.
“That was unbelievable,” Casey said as the home crowd exploded.
Dylan Windler sealed the result with a lay-up in the dying stages, completing a brilliant performance that yielded 26 points and eight rebounds.
Parker Jackson-Cartwright had 30 points and eight assists for the Breakers, but it wasn’t enough to stop a six-game losing streak against the Wildcats.
