Defensive lapses key in Hawks loss: Forde

Head Coach Adam Forde says defensive communication breakdowns and repeated execution errors proved costly in the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans’ 107-95 loss to Illawarra Hawks at the Cairns Convention Centre on Thursday night.

The Taipans led 62-61 at the main break after a blistering shooting display but were unable to contain the Hawks' offensive weapons in the second half.

Tyler Harvey, Makur Maker, Kelan Martin and Milton Doyle punished a series of defensive mistakes as Illawarra outscored Cairns 46-33 after half-time.

Forde said his side struggled to consistently execute defensive adjustments, allowing Harvey and the Hawks to gain confidence as the game wore on.

“We made some frustrating errors. We tried to do some adjustments that were supposed to make it a little bit easier for us defensively,” Forde said.

“The amount of times we left Tyler Harvey open, or late contests, jumping at shadows, we really let him get his eye in.”

HOT START, COLD FINISH

The Taipans opened the game by knocking down eight first-quarter three-pointers but couldn't maintain the same intensity at the defensive end as the Hawks steadily took control.

“We talked about defending the Spain action during the week, and we messed it up, and then we talked about it at half time, and we still found ways to confuse ourselves,” Forde said.

“We just kept making errors. It's a communication thing and some of it is match-up-wise, some of it is personnel, but we just kept making the same silly errors.

“When you let guys like Tyler Harvey get free looks at the basket, and especially from three, they'll then tend to make you pay for it.

“If you want to switch the on ball (screen), you need a level of physicality and contact in the screen. It was just misuse in communication.”

PAUL SHINES IN FIRST NBL START

One of the bright spots for Cairns was the performance of NBL Next Star Paul, who made an immediate impact in his first professional start with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Forde said the move was designed to create a different offensive look and take some pressure off Jaylon Brown, particularly with Jaylin Galloway unavailable.

“We wanted to try something different where we got Jaylon off the ball, sort of get him going, especially with Jaylin Galloway out,” Forde said.

“We wanted to get some free shots for Jaylon off the ball, which for the most part was really good.

“Getting Keanu and Jack going early. So, between Luke and Shaun Bruce, they really did a good job sharing the load.”

The Taipans now head West on Sunday for a Sunday afternoon battle against Perth Wildcats at RAC Arena.

Catch all the action live and on demand on ESPN.