Perth want NBL guard Mitch Norton to be more aggressive as he continues to fill the void in the starting line-up left by injured Wildcats captain Damian Martin.
Martin might miss four more games as he battles a calf injury, including next weekend's match against Brisbane, on Friday night at home, followed by Illawarra on Sunday on the road.
The Cats are eyeing the round-seven home clash with New Zealand on November 25 for their skipper's return.
They had a 3-10 record without Martin before Saturday's 92-78 win over the Breakers in Perth.
New Zealand took it to the Wildcats, leading by eight points midway through the third quarter before Perth went on a 31-9 run.
Norton stepped up to play 27 minutes and contributed as Martin would have, with five rebounds, six assists and a steal.
But he shot just two field goals at 22 per cent; something coach Trevor Gleeson wanted improvement on.
"He could have been more aggressive to the ring, which is a strength of his," Gleeson said.
"It's good to get that under the belt, in a tight one against tough opposition.
"He is smart and tough and I'll back him every day of the week."
Gleeson went back to Clint Steindl against the Breakers despite his four from 15 shots from beyond the three-point line this season. He returned five from long range, at 100 per cent.
He gave Sunday Dech more than eight minutes in his first NBL game since 2014. And he handed Rhys Vague more than 12 minutes despite the 22 year-old looking out of sorts a week earlier in just 53 seconds of court time against Melbourne.
Vague tallied five rebounds, two big blocked shots, two assists and a crucial three-pointer late in the third quarter.
"We think we are pretty deep; we have guys who can flat out go," Gleeson said.
"It's good to call on them and get that response. Tonight, it was the bench's turn and they stepped up.
"Rhys was outstanding. His development in the past 12 months is off the charts.
"He knows if he plays well, I'll stay with him."
