Taipans build belief, trust and momentum
THE talent has been there since the first day of pre-season but it has been about building trust, belief in each other and closing out games the right way that has turned the Taipans’ season around.
That was the view of second-year mentor Mike Kelly straight after toppling the Sydney Kings on Sunday night, with Cairns claiming their third straight win and fifth from their last six games.
There is no doubting the Snakes have bundles of talent – their top seven rotation players are more than competitive with any in the NBL – and Kelly has found a way to keep that group together more often when it matters.
He has tightened his rotation, with the starters playing bigger minutes of late – trusting that they can get it done, even while carrying a heavier load, and it has led to a position in the top four.
“I think they have always had the belief but they have taken a little bit of time to jell,” Kelly said.
“(The) first time we played Sydney, we were up 10 and ended up losing; they made big plays and we were not sure what to do at the end.
“We are getting better at that, even though we could have been better in the fourth.
“The belief has always been there, about talent, but finishing games the right way and being consistent putting four quarters together, we are getting better at that.”
Rookie forward Kouat Noi, who missed only one shot on Sunday night, spoke glowingly of import point guard Scott Machado, declaring his passfirst style of play was leading to a spread of opportunities for all the club’s shooters.
Sydney Kings veteran Brad Newley, who played against Kelly in his rookie season, believes the Taipans’ mid-season rise up the ladder is proof the competition isn’t the onehorse race that some are saying it is right now.
“Look at their results – they were one of the bottom teams three-four weeks ago and now they’re right up there,” Newley said. “You just have to look – they’ve beaten Perth and Melbourne, who are (among) the top four sides, and I think that speaks volumes for the balance of this competition. You can’t take anyone lightly.
“Not that we did – we have the utmost respect for them – but one through nine, every team is competitive.”
One month after sitting last on the table, the Taipans are now in the top four for the first time under Kelly and now have two opportunities in Round 11 to further cement their position.
They host defending champions Perth Wildcats on Thursday before on Sunday flying to Melbourne to play South East Melbourne Phoenix for the first time.