Cairns coach Aaron Fearne expects his side to want it more in this week's two season-defining NBL encounters with minor premiers Adelaide.
The Taipans are locked in a three-way tie for third with Melbourne and Perth on the NBL ladder heading into the crucial final round.
As many as six teams can still make the final three spots of the top four - with Illawarra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and New Zealand all vying alongside Cairns to join Adelaide in the playoffs.
Two wins over the 36ers will cement the Taipans a spot in the finals, while they need at least one to remain in contention.
"Ultimately you want to be in control of your own destiny," Fearne said.
"But it's going to be a crazy weekend."
The Taipans have been dealt no favours with the final-round draw.
They face Adelaide - a team that has already beaten them twice this year - twice, first at home on Wednesday, and then away on Saturday.
Their only saving grace is the fact Adelaide have dropped their last two since being crowned minor premiers, and Fearne hopes his side's desire will get them over the line.
"It's not like I have to talk about what's in front of us," he said.
"We could still secure second spot. We can secure a home-court playoff advantage.
"We could secure a playoffs spot, we control all that. We know what we're playing for."
Fearne is not shying away from the fact that Adelaide will be tough to beat.
"Jerome Randall is going to be MVP of the league," he said.
"Nathan Sobey will be most improved and Daniel Johnson goes out there and does his thing and their team plays with great energy.
"With their style of game Joey (Wright) will be coach of the year."
Share
