Hakim Warrick back to his best as Melbourne United eye Cairns win

STAR import Hakim Warrick warns he is getting back to his devastating best as Melbourne United hunt their fourth consecutive win in Cairns.

NBL. Melbourne United vs Adelade 36ers at Hisense Arena, Melbourne. Hakim Warrick battles in traffic . Pic: Michael Klein. Friday October 16, 2015.

STAR import Hakim Warrick warns he is getting back to his devastating best as Melbourne United hunt their fourth consecutive win in Cairns.

It is no coincidence that Warrick’s recent run of hot form has translated into wins for United, with the Victorian side enjoying a resurgence after a mid-season slump.

The former NBA big man, who scored 20 points off the bench in his last start, said he is enjoying his hoops again after shaking off a groin injury that saw him miss a string of games early in the season.

“I’m just getting used to it; it’s a new team and I’m just getting used to the way they play over here,” he said.

“I’m getting my legs back from the injury and I’m feeling a lot more comfortable out there.”

Ladder-leading Melbourne and the Taipans will clash in Cairns on Wednesday night before meeting in Melbourne at ‘The Cage’ on Friday night.

Warrick said it is a pivotal time of the season with just seven regular season games remaining

“It is tough because we don’t really get that (short turnarounds) too often,” he said.

“It is kind of like a playoff feel, so you know there’s going to be a lot of film and you just have to be prepared and know what you’re doing.

“The league is so close and one or two-game winning or losing streaks can move you two to three slots on the ladder.

“So it is definitely crunch time and you’ve just got to focus and take every game one step at a time and get better. Being such a tight race, every game counts.”

Hakim Warrick says Melbourne United are getting better.

Melbourne have steadied on the back of some hard fought wins over the past fortnight.

Warrick said the growing ability to close out games has been a key factor in the turnaround.

“We’ve been toughening it out man,” he said.

“There have been some really close games and it is really hard to win in this league.

“I think the last few games we’ve taken care of the ball, rebounded and executed in the fourth quarter.”

Originally published as Hakim Warrick back to his best as Melbourne United eye Cairns win