“It’s finding that balance in moments and that’s what he’s been searching for,” he said.
“When Doolittle shows up and plays, that’s really good for us.
“As this team evolves we start to figure things out – who we are, what we need in different situations – and that was a step forward tonight.”
The visitors led at every break and pushed the margin to 15 points with five minutes to play before Bryce Hamilton (25 points, seven-of-10 triples, six rebounds, four assists) threatened to carry his side home.
Centre Will Magnay (six points) managed just 16 minutes after drawing three first-half fouls in a blow for Tasmania, who still out-rebounded Perth 44-36.
But constant turnovers were lethal as the Wildcats improved to 11-9 to keep the pressure on Sydney (10-7), who were sitting fourth ahead of Sunday night’s clash with Cairns.
The JackJumpers’ struggles at home continued as they fell to 8-11 to sit narrowly ahead of a crowded bottom-half of the ladder.
Josh Bannan (18 points, nine rebounds) kept the hosts close with regular buckets in the first half.
But Perth had more contributors, with David Duke Jnr (16 points, five assists, four steals) and Elijah Pepper (10 points) making impactful cameos.
“They were just better than us; more physical and stayed on track for 40 minutes,” Tasmania coach Scott Roth said before tipping his cap to Doolittle.
“I think he’s the best player in the league, hands down. Does it at all levels.
“He was a difference maker throughout the entire game. The way he plays is probably my favourite non-JackJumper.”
The Wildcats will fly home with an injury concern, after Dylan Windler stepped on a foot and rolled his ankle, forcing him out of the game in the final quarter.
