Perth Wildcats import Casey Prather can't help but marvel at the "dirty work" of Damian Martin, saying the skipper's unrelenting approach has helped inspire the whole team.
The hot combination of Prather and Bryce Cotton has earned league-wide plaudits in recent weeks.
But the influence of Martin has played an equally important role in the Wildcats' resurgence this season, with the NBL club now just two wins away from snaring the Championship.
Martin produced a series of inspirational defensive displays in Sunday's 89-77 grand final game-one win over Illawarra.
The most memorable moment came in the first quarter, when Martin sprinted back to produce a spectacular rejection on a Nicholas Kay fast break.
"That was game-changing," Prather said on Monday.
"I stopped because I thought it was going to be a dunk or two points.
"That just shows you the heart of Damo. When you see a leader do that, it makes everyone want to follow.
"I was just watching the film of Damo doing a little bit of the dirty work. I was just amazed.
"Damo sets the tone for the other guys. So you saw Matty Knight dive on the floor (after that), and Jesse Wagstaff diving on the floor.
"It just makes me want to do more, and the other guys feel the same way."
Martin has never been a big scorer, and he tallied just six points in the grand final opener.
But his defensive work was crucial in shutting down Illawarra's sharpshooters.
Rotnei Clarke and Rhys Martin finished with just 11 points each, while Cody Ellis top scored with only 12 points.
Martin won the grand final MVP last season, keeping star Breakers guard Cedric Jackson scoreless in the series decider.
The Boomers guard will be aiming to produce another huge display in game two against the Hawks in Wollongong on Wednesday.
Prather also looms as a match-winner after nailing 22 points on Sunday.
It's a far cry from a few months ago, when a series of injuries to Prather's right foot restricted his output.
"I had something at the bottom of my foot, kind of like a bone bruising," Prather said.
"And I had an achilles issue on the same foot. And I rolled my ankle. So it was just all bad."
Prather harbours dreams of playing in the NBA and it appears increasingly unlikely the Wildcats will be able to sign him for a third successive season.
The American isn't sure what his future holds. But if this does happen to be his final season at the Wildcats, he wants to go out with another Championship.
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