It was always going to be emotional when Bryce Cotton returned to Perth for the first time in different colours. But the moment he stepped onto the floor, everything hit harder than anyone expected.
Cotton was greeted by a roaring RAC Arena crowd before a 45-second tribute video played.
As years of memories flashed on screen, Cotton buried his face into his jersey – overwhelmed. When the video ended, the arena erupted in applause, cheers and MVP chants, giving the Red Army a final chance to say thank you.
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“At the end of the day, like I’ve always said, the city of Perth, I got nothing but love,” Cotton said post-game.
“I think it was pretty cool to see the love that the fans showed. I definitely appreciated that. It caught me off guard more so like just hearing the cheers from the fans,” he continued.
“The video was cool as well. But even hearing the MVP chants and all that… it was really gratifying for me to feel.”
Cotton delivered everything he could and more. He finished with 21 points, 12 assists and three rebounds in a true point guard performance that showcased his evolution in the NBL.
When the game hung in the balance, the whole 36ers roster stepped up.
“Coming down the stretch, it was damn near everybody on the floor,” Cotton said.
“Whitey (Isaac White) hits a big three while we’re trying to get momentum. Flynn (Cameron), obviously, the game-winning layup. Ice (Humphries) was tremendous – he gets the big block. Z (Cheatham) with his playmaking. It’s just tremendous.
“That was the true definition of a team win.”
A remarkable 35-16 fourth quarter – including a 21-4 run in the final five minutes – sealed Adelaide’s 95-94 victory. The fourth was so chaotic, even Cotton struggled to recall it.
“To be honest with you, I have no memory of the fourth quarter. This was crazy. Absolutely crazy. It’s the wildest game I think I’ve ever been a part of in my life,” he said.
Despite the fierce competition, the respect from the Red Army never wavered.
“It was fun hearing the boos at the free throw line and then even weirdly it seemed like every time I scored I’d hear subtle claps,” Cotton said with a smile.
“So it was weird in a good way. Something I’ve never experienced before.
“I know that’s not the result the Red Army wanted, but they definitely got the show they were looking for.”
With this instant classic now behind them, the Adelaide 36ers move to the top of the NBL26 ladder, while the Wildcats remain in fourth.
The night also set a new regular season attendance record for Perth – 13,661 fans witnessing history and saying farewell to the legend who helped build the house.