The New Zealand Breakers have misplaced their nasty streak which explains why they're languishing in last place in the NBL, according to coach Paul Henare.
A fifth straight loss can be avoided if the Breakers turn around some listless form against the second-placed Brisbane Bullets in Auckland on Thursday.
The Adelaide 36ers await at home two days later but Henare's focus is short term as seeks answers to a lethargy which threatens to derail their title hopes.
Henare gave advance warning to Bullets counterpart Andrej Lemanis his team would need to brace for a physical Breakers approach.
"We are too nice right now and I think we need to bring back a little bit of nasty," he said.
"This group is experienced enough to know what that means and how far it goes. It is not about hating each other, it is about holding each other accountable for when we slip below our standards."
Henare stresses it isn't about playing dirty but playing with a physical edge, particularly on defence.
Easy opposition buckets early on have been a feature of recent games.
While Henare won't rule out changes to his starting five, the biggest tweaks he needs is on-court attitude.
He has confronted some players personally this week about what is required.
"Sometimes that can be an uncomfortable conversation for some and some people can take it the wrong way, but it is important thing is to send the right messages for the right reasons."
Henare says experienced players such as captain Mika Vukona, Kirk Penney, Tom Abercrombie and Corey Webster have been through similar slumps and know the key to ending them.
Brisbane have won their last three games on the road but spoiled that streak by losing twice at home.
