NBL Coaches Address Post-Game Exchange

Post-Game Handshake Incident

Following the Round 22 game between the Perth Wildcats and Adelaide 36ers at RAC Arena, coaches Mike Wells and John Rillie engaged in an exchange during the post-game handshake. This interaction occurred after the Wildcats' 86-74 victory.

Wells Downplays Concern Over Late Score

In a post-game press conference, 36ers coach Mike Wells commented on the incident, stating it was not a significant concern.

Wells indicated that he did not believe Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. needed to score with ten seconds remaining in the game.

He elaborated that the Wildcats were already leading by 10 points and the points differential was not a factor for either team, both having secured playoff berths. Lual-Acuil Jr. scored with a dunk in the final seconds of the game, an action that seemingly prompted the post-game discussion.

Rillie Cites "Cultural Difference"

Wildcats coach John Rillie also addressed the situation in his post-game interview.

Rillie stated that he was "fine with what happened" and noted that "Americans often don't understand the cultural difference, so it’s a learning experience."