NBL: Cairns Taipans’ turnover problems a style choice

Taipans coach Adam Forde is committed to riding every bit of the rollercoaster with star import duo Tahjere McCall and Patrick Miller as Cairns prepares for a last-ditch shot at making the play-offs.

Taipans coach Adam Forde is committed to riding every bit of the rollercoaster with star import duo Tahjere McCall and Patrick Miller as Cairns prepares for a last-ditch shot at making the play-offs.

A poor first half led the way to the Taipans’ disappointing 102-84 loss to the Bullets at the Snakepit on Sunday, a result which strengthened Brisbane’s grip on a spot in the top six and has left the Snakes fighting for their post-season lives.

Turnovers hit hard, with McCall and Miller coughing up the ball three times each in a forgettable first quarter which laid the platform for the Bullets’ 18-point win.

While the Taipans ultimately cleaned up their discipline, the duo combined for 10 of the team’s 16 total turnovers.

Taipans import Patrick Miller. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

“You play with fire, you get burned a couple of times,” Forde said.

They have the ball in their hands more than any other Taipans and their form, more often than not, fully influences the Snakes’ on-court success.

They lead the team in scoring (Miller 18.8, McCall 17.7), assists (Miller 6.0, McCall 5.3), free throw attempts and steals, while their vision and direction on court has led the way to plenty of Taipans wins through the season.

But they also lead the entire league in turnovers, with McCall (3.3 per game) just pipping Miller (3.2pg) in the top two spots.

Tahjere McCall is in his third season at the Taipans. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

JackJumpers star Milton Doyle (3.0), Kings stud Jaylen Adams (2.8) and New Zealand ace Parker Jackson-Cartwright (2.8) round out the top five.

Forde put the high rates down the style of play he wants this team to employ.

“There’s a couple of times, especially in that first quarter, we had some attacking turnovers,” Forde said.

“There was a great feed to Josh (Roberts) on the roll which went through his hands, that’s through no fault.

“It is what it is.

“I think it’s been an ongoing issue not just this season, but in previous seasons.

“A lot of that ties down to how I want to play.
“You play with fire, you get burned a couple of times. We want to play an up-tempo style and that’s sometimes a by-product.”

The Taipans are sixth, but with a 11-13 record, four games left, and the Breakers, Hawks and Adelaide firing up late-season charges of their own, need to take care of business.

They can put the final nail in the 36ers’ season’s coffin when they face off in Adelaide on Thursday, which would strengthen their own post-season claim.

Cairns finish the season with games against teams in the top three: Tasmania (third, at home), Perth (second, away) and Melbourne United (first, home).

Follow @MMcInerney89

Originally published as NBL: Cairns Taipans’ turnover problems a style choice