Perth Wildcats game-changer Bryce Cotton says the NBL play-offs have started early after a dramatic weekend left five teams separated by one win.

The Wildcats chalked up a much-needed 84-79 win over Melbourne United on Sunday.

Perth will host fifth-placed Adelaide at RAC Arena on Friday night before travelling to play the top-of-the-table Sydney Kings on Sunday.

If the Wildcats win both games, they will jump into the top two.

There is a possibility they could finish the round as ladder leaders, depending on other results.

Perth’s last six games of the home-and-away campaign feature five matches against the top five teams.

“There are six regular-season games left, but it’s play-off time,” Cotton said.

“I think it’s play-off time for three or four teams.

“Seeing how close the records are ... it’s one or two games apart. Every game is going to matter. So, as far as I’m concerned, play-offs have started.

“I’m pretty sure other teams feel the same way. You get a sneak peek for what you’re competing for and hopefully you’ll be a part of it in March.”

Cotton revealed a half-time conversation between the players played a crucial part in Sunday’s victory.

The Wildcats went to the long break leading 46-39, but well aware their third quarters had been terrible.

Perth had won just two of their previous seven third terms, with United outscoring them by 17 points in the 10-minute stanza at their most recent outing.

United took the lead late in the term and won the third quarter by four points. But the Wildcats finished with all the momentum to lead by three points at the start of the final period.

Cotton said the players made it clear to each other at half-time that there would be no excuses for not responding to third-quarter challenges from Melbourne.

“We reminded each other that the third quarter had been our kryptonite during this slump,” he said.

“We wanted to make sure that if you’re going to lose the game, you don’t want to lose for the same reason.

“Lack of effort is no excuse for why you should lose the game.

“You’d rather lose, if you’re going to, because the team just outplayed you.”

Cotton was influential, scoring 27 points and having six assists from more than 36 minutes on court. Nine of his points came during the third quarter.