Snakes keen to press on
A RELIEVED Mike Kelly hopes a drought-breaking NBL victory will result in a flood of victories for his fledgling Cairns side.
“Whenever we go into a game I feel good about us and our preparation and the way the guys have trained – for the most part,” Kelly said.
“That’s not to say I think we’re going to win every time, even though I always have felt like that growing up – through my playing and coaching days.
“But (confidence) can chip away a little bit when you start losing game after game, even after you play well at times.”
Kelly said he hoped his side would keep the momentum building ahead of another home clash on Monday night against the ladder-leading Sydney Kings.
“When you start making shots you feel better and then you make more shots,” Kelly said.
The rise of rookie import Devon Hall proved to be crucial in the win against Brisbane. Hall had struggled to find his range throughout the season, shooting at just 34 per cent from the field and 28 per cent from the perimeter.
On Thursday night, he clicked.
The former Oklahoma City Thunder-listed guard went 8-10 from the field and 6-8 from deep.
Kelly praised the 23-yearold’s work ethic.
“Devon has had his struggles but he hasn’t stopped working and I knew this was going to happen for him,” he said.
While finals are out of the equation, Cairns will be hoping to cause some upsets along the way in the run home.
Kelly’s gang can start on Monday night with a win against the Kings.