Taipans captain urges crowd to keep showing up as they look to make Cairns a fortress

Cairns Taipans captain Taran Armstrong is hoping the Orange Army continues to turn up to all home games as they look to make the Snakepit a fortress this season.

Cairns Taipans captain Taran Armstrong is hoping the Orange Army continues to turn up to all home games as they look to make the Snakepit a fortress this season.

The Taipans have won their first two games at home this season, with the crowd full of passion and voice on both occasions.

In Friday nights win against the reigning premiers, Tasmania JackJumpers, Armstrong heard the full voice of the Orange Army when he sent down a dunk following a block from teammate Sam Waardenburg.

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 04: Taran Armstrong of the Taipans reacts during the round three NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Cairns Convention Centre, on October 04, 2024, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

Armstrong said the crowd is a big part of how they play at home.

“Cairns is a long way away from anything,” Armstrong said.

“You know teams are coming in and flying in and you know travel is a real thing.

“Teams like Perth, Melbourne and especially Tassie who have to travel a long way.

“It’s not an excuse but it is tough to play in and it is the same for us going on the road.

“But these fans are great.”

It was the welcome back to basketball Armstrong was chasing, after the Taipans point guard injured his calf during the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast in September.

“I want to be a little bit more expressive this season, show a bit more personality,” Armstrong said.

“I really do appreciate them (the fans), it is a little bit out of my nature to do so

“But I want to show that I really do appreciate them and I am glad they come out and pack it out the way they do.”

The Taipans claimed their third win of the season on Sunday over Melbourne United and will now return to the Cairns Convention Centre on Thursday night to host the struggling Perth Wildcats.

The Wildcats have won the last five games against the Taipans but are also coming off a three straight losses this season, which includes a 29 point loss to Melbourne United.

While the Taipans are coming off a three-game winning streak, which includes a 13 point win over Melbourne United on Sunday.

Tip off between the Taipans and Wildcats is 6:30pm on Thursday night, it is the first of Cairns double header this weekend, taking on the Sydney Kings on Sunday October 13.

Originally published as Taipans captain urges crowd to keep showing up as they look to make Cairns a fortress