Game Preview: United v Taipans

Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans shooting guard Reyne Smith says it’s time for his team to respond against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on Saturday night.

The Taipans went down 98-75 on Wednesday night in their NBL Ignite Cup opener against New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena and Smith said proof will be on the court against Melbourne.

“We're about to find out. We've got a game against Melbourne on Saturday, so you can say all the right things after a game,” Smith said.

“But I think if you're going to take it into action, I guess that's where you find out on Saturday.

“So, I'm looking forward to that game and hoping the guys, and everyone responds.”

Melbourne will also be on the rebound after a Malith Machar three-pointer caught iron on the buzzer in Tasmania on Thursday night, the JackJumpers prevailing 84-82.

United came back from a 19-point deficit in that contest and the hosts will be keen to bounce back on their home floor.

Cairns have struggled offensively in the past two games on the road, averaging just 72 points per game, and Smith believes the improvement and increasing the shooting percentages all starts on the defensive side of the ball.

“I think it goes hand in hand. I think there were times in that game (against NZ) where we were getting stops, and down the offensive end, we weren't scoring,” Smith said.

“And there were times where we weren't maybe scoring but couldn't get a stop. And I think both go hand in hand.

The 188cm sharpshooter, who has played all four games so far this season after only managing 14 appearances in his rookie campaign, said his side need to come together to improve their performances.

“You have to take the same level of pride in both (offense and defense), in executing what you want offensively and then going down and doing it on defense too, especially when offense isn't rolling,” Smith said.

“You've got to take pride in both offensive and defensive end.”

Head Coach Adam Forde said the Taipans “were at the crossroads” after the loss to the Breakers, and Smith said the team is ready to take the next step.

“You can't really escape it. I think you've got to take it front on,” Smith said.

“I think that's the good part about being on a nine-day road trip is we've got every reason to figure this one out and, yeah, see how we respond on Saturday.”

Both teams will have key pieces sitting on the bench Saturday night, with several starters missing in action for the crucial clash.

Melbourne has been without point guard Shea Ili, but the New Zealand playmaker is set to make his NBL27 debut against the Taipans.

Ili hasn’t played a regular season game so far in NBL27 due to a hamstring injury suffered at the NBL Blitz, while 2021 Olympic bronze medal Boomer Chris Goulding will be missing due to a calf strain.

The Taipans will again be missing recruit Jaylin Galloway (shoulder) who is making considerable progress in his rehabilitation process, with both Shaun Bruce (groin) and recently Duke University-committed Luke Paul (ankle) pending game day fitness tests.

UPDATE: Bruce and Paul have both failed their game day fitness tests, with Development Player Brody Nunn joining the lineup.

Smith has full belief in his side, who are now 1-3 on the season, including big road defeats to Sydney Kings (21 points), Adelaide 36ers (14 points) and the Breakers.

“I believe so (we respond). It's round three, it's early days, and I think if we're going to pack up the season now, I don't know what we'd be doing here,” Smith said.

“So, I have every reason to believe every guy in the locker room takes in what was talked about after the game and responds the right way.”