The star Doo-ing it all in Perth

Bryce Cotton was at his brilliant best as the Perth Wildcats returned to winning form, but both the four-time MVP and coach John Rillie were just as high on the match-winning contribution from Kristian Doolittle.

Perth arrived in Cairns to take on a Taipans team on a three-game winning streak with the 'Cats having lost three straight of their own.

The Wildcats were also without star big man Keanu Pinder who had entered concussion protocols following Sunday's overtime loss in Hobart to the JackJumpers.

They did regain point guard Tai Webster and import forward Dylan Windler, but it was Cotton and Doolittle who delivered the match-winning performances, as the Wildcats scored the 90-87 victory to steady their season at 2-3.

Cotton was back to his brilliant best going 7/10 from downtown on his way to 35 points, while Doolittle was outstanding in all areas for 19 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.

It's the type of performance that Cotton is renowned for over his 235 games with the Wildcats, but Doolittle only continues to evolve further into a star, the more he plays.

He is now a confident and competent offensive threat, he is a standout defensive of a player in any position on the court, a tremendous rebounder and provides plenty of energy, hustle and effort.

Doolittle's coach couldn’t be happier with what he is bringing in his second NBL season.

"He helps winning and I think his comfort level with our group, with Australia and the synergy he has with his teammates after last year has meant he's taken a nice step in his growth and just his own confidence in what he can be in this league," Rillie said.

"You guys are starting to see an improved Kristian Doolittle."

Cotton has had some tremendous running mates over his career in Perth playing in championship with Terrico White, Casey Prather and Nick Kay, but Doolittle is putting himself right in that company.

"He's so dynamic on the floor and you see for stretches in the game he can take over by putting points on the board, he can lock up the other team's best player or get big time rebounds," Cotton said.

"Whatever you need 'Doo' to do, he can get it done so it's a joy having him on the floor for sure."

While the Wildcats were missing Pinder for Thursday night's game in Cairns, having Webster back as point guard and another weapon in Windler return had a big impact on Cotton being able to put up 35 points, and get off 19 shot attempts and 11 free throws.

"These are two huge contributors to our team, so whenever they're not on the floor we're going to miss them," Cotton added.

"Then when they're back on the floor I think you see the immediate impact right away. I was happy as ever to have them back out there, and can't wait to have KP (Pinder) out there soon enough.

"I know we play much better as a team with them out there and that's the most important thing."

What Rillie saw that he liked on Thursday night, even though it's still a work in progress and Pinder is still to return, is a glimpse into what this Wildcats team can look like when everyone is playing their role.

"You saw how important it is for everyone to bring what their strength is to our group," Rillie said.

"Tai pushes the ball, Doolittle's aggressive and assertive, and then that gives Bryce some extra space and freedom to operate in. When he gets to that mode, it's tough to stop him so everyone has to play their part so that everyone can be at their best.

"You can see what Windler brings as he shapes into some good form with his offensive game, but he's an underrated defender and obviously a terrific rebounder.

"His tenacity to get in there and just hunt rebounds was terrific. (Jesse) Wagstaff in the fourth was magical, so we're chipping away at it.

"You want wins, but you also want to grow and you can see that we've still got a lot of growth to go with our team."