X-Factor: Duke is hazard for opposing NBL guards

• 2025-26 NBL Team Lists and Roster Tracker
• How to watch every NBL game in the 2025-26 season
• Interactive and live NBL Scores and Schedule here

Former NBA player David Duke Jnr has quickly become the Wildcats' defensive X-Factor and has helped Perth to its third straight win 101-95 against the struggling Tasmania JackJumpers in Round 10 of NBL26 in Perth on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Duke Jnr, 24, delivered his NBL career high 19 points on 6-from-9 from the field but is drawing the toughest guard match-up every game, this time against Bryce Hamilton. Hamilton is averaging 18.6 points per game for the JackJumpers. Duke Jnr held him to 13 points on 4-from-7 in 32 minutes.

"It’s been a strength of mine throughout my career," Duke Jnr said.

"It’s not just defending but being intelligent and smart with it — defending without fouling, taking guys out of their rhythm.

"Tonight I thought I did a decent job on my match-up, but it’s never just me.

"The guys around me are locked into their coverages. It’s not just one-on-one — if someone’s coming off a ball screen, we’re throwing different looks at them.

"Everyone was locked in tonight, and we want to keep that going."

The Wildcats are now 8-5 heading into Sunday's clash with 12-2 league leaders Melbourne United in Melbourne. Duke Jnr was asked about a potential match-up against Chris Goulding and how he prepared.

"I’ve watched pretty much every team in this league whenever we’re not playing," he said.

"So yes, I’ve seen them. If that’s my match-up, I’m looking forward to it. Once we go over the scout, we’ll figure out how we’re matching up.

"I don’t want to learn guys only the week we play them. I want to be familiar with players across the league beforehand.

"You naturally pick up tendencies that way. On off-days, if there’s a game on, I throw it on and watch."

Head coach John Rillie chimed in: "He’s doing a phenomenal job, but what’s being disrespected is that he’s simply doing his job. He’s a professional athlete paid to perform, and he wants to be the best player he can be. He’s doing his job at a high level.

"People ask, 'What’s an NBA player?' He tried to be an NBA player. He’s in the NBL and he does a really good job. The NBA is a tough league.

"He’s being professional. If you want to play at that level, you need to be professional, and that’s what he’s doing."

Duke Jnr continued: "We get the scout on our phone, we go over it in practice, and on our own time we can watch previous games. I’m watching all the teams anyway, so I’m familiar with them.

"It gets engraved in your mind, so when you’re under fatigue in a game, it becomes second nature. The last two weeks we’ve had some days to properly go over the scout, and that’s helped.

"But that’s part of the job — you have to know the scout. These are high-level players. If you don’t know the scout, you won’t be successful.

"I’ve been a pro a couple of years now, so I’ve learned how important that is."

The JackJumpers have now lost six straight and have fallen to 5-9 after starting the season 5-3.

Key Details

• Result: Perth Wildcats 101 def. Tasmania JackJumpers 95
• When: Thursday, 21st November 2025
• Where: RAC Arena, Perth
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Kristian Doolittle (Perth Wildcats) starred with 30 points, four rebounds, and six assists in 36 minutes.
• Josh Bannan (Tasmania JackJumpers) scored 29 points and had nine rebounds and two assists in 35 minutes.

What Happened

The Wildcats established early control at RAC Arena, taking a 32-28 advantage after the opening quarter. Perth maintained their momentum through the second period, extending their lead to 57-52 at half-time behind efficient shooting from the field. The home side continued to assert their dominance in the third quarter, outscoring Tasmania 24-19 to build a commanding 81-71 advantage heading into the final period.

Tasmania mounted a spirited fourth-quarter comeback, matching Perth's 20 points in the final period, but it proved insufficient to overcome the 10-point deficit they faced entering crunch time. The JackJumpers' late rally fell six points short as the Wildcats held on for their third consecutive victory at home.

Kristian Doolittle was simply on fire for Perth, shooting an outstanding 60% from the field including an exceptional 5-from-7 from downtown. His 30-point outburst was complemented by solid contributions from Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, who was efficient with 19 points on 6-from-8 shooting, and David Duke Jr, who added 19 points with four assists. The trio combined for 68 of Perth's 101 points in a masterful offensive display.

For Tasmania, Josh Bannan led the charge with an impressive 29 points and nine boards, shooting a solid 60% from the field despite struggling from three-point range. Majok Deng contributed 26 points and 11 rebounds but was erratic from the field, managing just 8-from-22 shooting including a poor 4-from-12 from beyond the arc. Bryce Hamilton chipped in with 13 points and five assists, but the JackJumpers' supporting cast couldn't match Perth's depth.

The Wildcats' superior shooting efficiency proved decisive in this encounter. Perth shot an impressive 57% from the field (31-from-54) compared to Tasmania's lacklustre 47% (34-from-73). From downtown, the home side connected on a solid 13-from-23 three-pointers (57%) while the visitors managed just 11-from-30 (37%). Perth also controlled the charity stripe, converting 26-from-35 free throws compared to Tasmania's 16-from-20, though both teams shot well from the foul line.