Cairns Taipans coach Aaron Fearne says his side's late-season form surge reminds him of the 2010/11 season when he led the club to its maiden grand final appearance.
On that occasion, the Taipans won their last four regular season fixtures to sneak into fourth spot before carrying that momentum to a semi-final series win over the Townsville Crocodiles and ultimately a 2-1 grand final loss to the New Zealand Breakers.
The Taipans are arguably even better placed this time, with six wins from their last seven starts catapulting them from seventh place three weeks ago to a guaranteed second-placed finish and a home semi-final on Friday night.
"You want to be playing good basketball at the right time," Fearne said after Saturday's 98-89 triumph over the ladder-leading Adelaide 36ers.
"It's similar to the first time we went to the finals six years ago.
"We were sitting in the same spot on the outside looking in, then got on a roll at the right time.
"It's been a very challenging month - we've played five double-headers in a row.
"We've played more games than we've practised and added an import (Tony Mitchell).
"It's been crazy."
No less crazy is the prospect of Australia's four largest cities - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth - being idle during the NBL finals, which will happen if United down the Wildcats today at Hisense Arena. The little guys have all stepped up this season.
"The city obviously is really excited right now - the little markets are not meant to do this," Fearne said.
"I'm proud of the club and the players.
"Adelaide, Illawarra and us (are in) and NZ are putting themselves in the spot to be a playoff team.
"It's fantastic; it's not about your resources and talent, it's the way you play.
"I think those clubs have done a great job."
