Taipans relying on routine ahead of NYE blockbuster
Cairns Taipans plan to take care of business against the Phoenix in front of an expected sell-out crowd, cement their place in the NBL’s, then get out and bring in the New Year in style.
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Take care of business on the floor, then get out and bring in the New Year in style.
That’s the plan for the Cairns Taipans as they prepare for the last NBL game of 2019, with South East Melbourne Phoenix entering enemy territory for Tuesday’s traditional New Year’s Eve game at the Cairns Convention Centre.
Now into their 21st season, the Taipans have hosted games on the final day of the year 14 times, and boast a 7-7 record.
They haven’t won on December 31 since they beat the Breakers to close 2015, and while they’ll be driven to keep the NYE win rate above 50 per cent, the stakes to this contest could not be higher.
Midway through Round 13, Cairns is fourth on the NBL ladder at 9-9, with the Phoenix one spot behind at 8-9.
KRSLOVIC MAKING THE MOST OF COURT TIME
They are in the top half of a six-team logjam, with just two wins separating the third-placed Melbourne United from Adelaide 36ers in eighth.
Add to that the Taipans are in a run of three games in eight days, which started with the 77-75 win against United on Boxing Day, and it’s a run of fixtures which will majorly influence the Snakes’ finals hopes come season’s end.
DJ Newbill, who has been a key to the Taipans’ success in his second season with the club, said the players kept their focus on fixtures through the distraction-heavy time of the season by sticking to what they know best. The court.
“Just come in every day and putting the work in, that creates the confidence,” Newbill said. “You come in every day, you’re training hard, you’re getting up extra shots and you’re taking care of your body; that gives you confidence to go out there in the game and perform.”
Second-year coach Mike Kelly said the side’s routine would allow them to maintain peak performance on court.
Kouat Noi, who has missed two games through injury, has not fully trained with the team and is unlikely to return.
Originally published as Taipans relying on routine ahead of NYE blockbuster