Nelson Giants coach Tim Fanning says this Friday’s NBL clash with the Southland Sharks at the Trafalgar Centre is a must win.
“There’s no other way of looking at it, it’s a must win game if we want to make the playoffs.
After a one win, one loss road trip, the Giants are clinging to fourth by points differential but have played an extra game than the fifth-placed Sharks.
“Our aim was to win one of those road games and beating the Mountainairs was good, but then losing to the Rangers by two was one where we had chances to win.”
Both teams have beaten each other on their home courts this season, but the Mike Pero Giants will have to get the job done without Finn Delany who suffered an ankle injury and is expected to miss at least a couple of games.
Delany had been the second most consistent point scorer for the Giants this season, so finding those points from other players, may shift the focus back to veteran Phill Jones,
Fanning says his players will always back their ability to win a home game.
“I think if you told this group of guys they had to win a home game for a playoff spot, they would have signed off on that.”
Tim says the parity in the league this year means his team has to turn up and produce a 40 minute performance, otherwise they will be beaten.
The game tips off at 7pm.
