Taipans prepared for a Wildcats team on the rebound of three straight losses
The Cairns Taipans are preparing for a hungry Perth Wildcats as they look to keep their undefeated record intact at home on Thursday night.
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The Cairns Taipans are preparing for a hungry Perth Wildcats as they look to keep their undefeated record intact at home on Thursday night.
The Taipans are two wins from two home games to start the NBL season and have won the last three games in a row.
While the Wildcats are coming off a three-game losing streak, having only won the first game of the season.
Coach Adam Forde said he expects the Wildcats to be a very tough challenge.
“They are always dangerous, they have a great track record against us,” Forde said.
“Bryce Cotton has already come out and said he enjoys a hot gym.
“He always seems to have a good performance against us.
“It is really important that, like we’ve said, we don’t want to underestimate anybody just like we don’t want to be underestimated.
“It’s going to be a tough contest, they have a lot of offensive weapon, a lot offensive weapons and it is really important that the guys lock in on their assignment.”
The Taipans have lost their last five games against the Wildcats, with their last home court win against Perth coming in February 2023 during the 2022/23 season.
Wildcats experience guard, Bryce Cotton averages 28 points per game in the last three outings between the two sides.
“You can never really just go a one-on-one match up with him, it is always important to send one or two guys off the ball,” Forde said.
“The difference I think with Perth this year is they have a lot of fire power on the perimeter.
“So if you get caught sleeping a little bit on the weak side, Bryce is an unselfish player as well.
“If he feels like there is one or two defenders on him, that he can move the ball and find his teammates, he will.
“Elijah Pepper, (Ben) Henshall, (Dylan) Windler for them, all these guys for have been hitting the three ball at a good rate.
“You want to make sure you have got the scout right for (Bryce) Cotton but you don’t want guys spectating off the ball because someone else will win them the game.
“It’s important that this is going to be 40 minutes of real solid execution and that we’ve got to be smart with what we do on the ball but off it.”
Tip off at the Cairns Convention Centre is at 6:30pm on Thursday night.
How the crowd can help the Snakepit become 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.
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.
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.
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