The Perth Redbacks edged out the Mandurah Magic in a breathtaking NBL1 West showdown on July 17, 2026, winning 104–102 in front of an electric home crowd. The contest featured relentless offense, dramatic lead changes, and clutch shooting in the final minute, cementing it as one of the most memorable games of the season.

Game Overview

From the opening tip, both teams played at an explosive pace. The Redbacks came out firing, using their home-court advantage to build a double-digit lead in the first quarter. However, the Magic responded with a 12–0 run in the second period, erasing the deficit and taking a 54–51 advantage into halftime. The third quarter saw the lead swing back and forth, with neither team able to secure more than a six-point cushion.

By the fourth quarter, the intensity reached playoff levels. Mandurah’s guards knocked down three consecutive three-pointers to go up 98–94 with under three minutes to play. But the Redbacks, led by their experienced core, refused to fold. A timely steal and fast-break dunk cut the deficit, and a deep three from the wing tied the game at 102 with 45 seconds left.

Decisive Moments

• Clutch defense: With the score tied and the shot clock winding down, Perth’s forward forced a turnover on Mandurah’s inbound pass, setting up the game-winning possession.
• Game-winning free throws: Redbacks guard drew a foul on a drive to the basket with 2.1 seconds remaining. He calmly sank both free throws to put Perth up 104–102. Mandurah’s desperation heave from half-court missed wide.
• High scoring output: The combined 206 points marked the highest-scoring game in the NBL1 West that season, showcasing the offensive firepower of both rosters.

Standout Performances

Perth’s scoring was balanced, with four players reaching double figures. The team’s point guard finished with 28 points and 7 assists, repeatedly breaking down Mandurah’s defense in pick-and-roll situations. For the Magic, their leading scorer poured in 33 points on 60% shooting, but his heroic effort was ultimately not enough.

Season Implications

The victory improved the Redbacks’ record to 12–6, solidifying their position in the top four of the NBL1 West standings. Mandurah fell to 10–8, but remained firmly in playoff contention. With the win, Perth also gained an important tiebreaker advantage over the Magic, which could prove crucial as the regular season heads toward its conclusion.

Fans who missed the live broadcast can relive the highlights on the NBL1 West streaming platform, where this instant classic will be remembered as one of the year’s best matchups.