The superstars came to play but it was Bryce Cotton's Perth Wildcats who prevailed against Mitch Creek's South East Melbourne Phoenix in a 100-79 NBL win.
The Wildcats were back at Perth's RAC Arena on Saturday for the first time since December 15, and while the roof stayed closed despite the hot conditions the 12,859 in attendance were treated to quite a show.
Cotton is firming for a fourth MVP award and he was unstoppable for Perth with 12 points in the first quarter and 26 to halftime.
That had the Wildcats leading 56-39 at the break with the Phoenix missing their opening 11 field goal attempts.
But Creek's Phoenix never gave up. The South East Melbourne captain helped his team score the first nine points of the third quarter to make it a contest.
But whenever Phoenix got close, Cotton had the answers. When he knocked down a seventh triple with five and-a-half minutes to play, the 'Cats led by 16 and the game was done.
They went on to win by 21 to make it four on the trot and remain locked into second position at 13-7.
Cotton finished with 34 points, six rebounds and two assists and now averages a dominant 29.1 points over the last 12 games.
Tai Webster thrived with the sagging defence applied on him for 20 points and four assists, with Keanu Pinder adding 13 points, six rebounds and three steals for Perth.
Wildcats coach John Rillie was pleased - and relieved - with the homecoming performance.
"Any time you've been on the road like that, coming back home is obviously a great environment to play in but sometimes you can just take a minute and relax," he said.
"That's where I was a little bit nervous going into this game but the guys came out and did a great job, and then showed what an entertaining group of players they are to watch.
"Any fans that come to our games shouldn’t leave disappointed."
The Phoenix were still without imports Gary Browne and Abdel Nader and have now lost six of the last seven to remain outside the top six at 9-12.
Creek did what he could to inspire the Phoenix finishing with 36 points and seven rebounds.
But he just didn’t receive enough support with Alan Williams contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Ben Ayre 10 points and four assists with 17 turnovers compounding matters.
South East Melbourne coach Mike Kelly couldn’t fault his team's effort, but ultimately falling down early and trying to do it without two key imports proved too tough.
"I think it's hard to take back that lead or get it back to a workable margin with the crowd, but also when you're not winning the last few games," he said.
"It's really easy to let that thing bust out really quick but the guys handled that and believed, and came back possession by possession so we gave it our shot, but then Perth came roaring back."
