Scott Fisher's NBL coaching career began in impressive fashion, leading the Perth Wildcats to a commanding 120-97 victory over West Sydney in front of a capacity crowd at Challenge Stadium.

Fisher, who won two titles with the Wildcats in his playing days, replaced Mike Ellis in the off-season and his new-look team had little trouble disposing of last year's losing grand finalists.

Only five members of Perth's 2003-04 outfit were retained this season and it was import Rashad Tucker that steered the Cats home, totalling 33 points and 12 rebounds.

New Razorbacks import Nick Horvath produced 19 points and nine rebounds, but the visitors badly missed the offensive spark usually provided by Boomer John Rillie, who departed for Townsville in the off-season.

The Wildcats were always in front from the opening tip and appeared ready to make a mark in the NBL this season, despite being without second import Rosell Ellis who failed to receive clearance to play.

Some other new signings injected plenty of enthusiasm early for the home team, with ex-Crocodile Peter Crawford and former Pirate Matt Shanahan both producing quality minutes in the opening term.

Captain Ricky Grace was again directing traffic from the point after missing 11 games last season with a knee injury as the home side started the match full of running.

Perth jumped to an early 19-8 lead as West Sydney struggled to find any offensive structure, with Athens Olympian Tony Ronaldson contributing early for the Cats.

Horvath kept the Razorbacks in the contest with 11 first quarter points, proving an effective inside presence, but it was Perth who enjoyed a 32-20 lead at the first break.

Former Wildcat Aaron Trahair provided some desperately needed West Sydney offence in the second term, managing 13 points for the quarter but the Cats had too many answers, racing to a well deserved 57-44 halftime lead.

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