The Perth Wildcats have overcome a sluggish start to defeat Illawarra 92-84, leaving the Hawks still winless in their title defence.

Perth trailed by 14 points early in Thursday night's open-air clash at their home RAC Arena before recovering brilliantly in the middle two quarters, which they dominated 34-23 and 23-13.

Illawarra's ex-NBA superstar Javale McGee (26 points, 14 rebounds) shook off a knee injury scare to narrowly take the individual honours against Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (22, three rebounds) in the marquee match-up between the league's two best centres.

Imports Kristian Doolittle (17 points, nine boards) and Dylan Windler (16, 14) were influential in Perth's fightback, while Tyler Harvey scored 15 of his 19 points before half-time for Illawarra.

"I would like us to play a little

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