Keeping it simple pays off for Pulse

Dismal failure seemed inevitable when the Central Pulse slumped to a 64-53 loss to the Northern Mystics.

In isolation the result wasn’t the end of the world. It’s just that when it followed an 80-44 thrashing from the Southern Steel, all the signs pointed to a slump the Pulse wouldn’t recover from.

So much for that. Less than a month on they’re about to play in their inaugural playoff series, hosting the Mystics at TSB Bank Arena in tomorrow’s elimination final.

When things turn from bad to good, people presume it’s on the back of crisis meetings and honesty sessions and player-only get-togethers. In truth, the Pulse got the show back on the road by far simpler, less confrontational means.

‘‘I tried to do my own job properly,’’ goal shoot Cathrine Tuivaiti said.

It doesn’t sound like a lot. But Tuivaiti, along with goal defence Katrina Grant, comes as close as the Pulse get to star players.

The other players inevitably take their cues from Grant and Tuivaiti who, in turn, can try to do too much. Particularly in Tuivaiti’s case.

She shares the shooting circle with 16-year-old Tiana Metuarau and the temptation for Tuivaiti had been to do her job and a good chunk of the goal attack’s too. Not because Metuarau needed it; it’s just human nature to want to make life easier for a younger team-mate.

‘‘I tried that and it doesn’t work for either of us,’’ said Tuivaiti.

‘‘I have learned a lot about myself as a leader and an experienced player, as I’ve gotten to know the kind of person Tiana is. I now know how she works and how I can get the best out of her.’’

It all comes back to that idea of doing what you do and trusting that your team-mate will do the same.

‘‘If we can all do our own jobs properly - as much as that cliche makes me want to throw up everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. We just need to take our own partner on one-onone and run them off the court and the score will take care of itself,’’ Tuivaiti said.

A longtime Mystic herself, she knows their strengths and weaknesses well. The Mystics possess plenty of good players, but none to match goal attack Maia Tutaia. She was at her imperious best during the 64-53 win, shooting 30/37 and dictating proceedings.

The Pulse respect Tutaia and the Mystics immensely, but there’s no fear.

‘‘We’ve made history here. We need to take a little bit of time and realise that we’ve made the playoffs for the first time ever in the Pulse’s history,’’ said Tuivaiti.

Tomorrow’s winner will go on to meet the Steel in the grand final on Wednesday.