Snakes emerging as playoff contenders?

The Cairns Taipans are firmly focused on establishing themselves as playoff contenders following last week’s win over Melbourne United according to Taran Armstrong.

Armstrong played almost 20 minutes from the bench in the victory, and played a strong support role to the Taipans’ high-flying import trio in the 115-103 victory.

The win has kept the Taipans within touching distance of the top six ahead of this weekend’s double-header. Their current 5-7 record has them two games outside the post-season positions, but they have played fewer games than all teams currently above them on the ladder.

“You beat the best team in the league at their house, it puts some expectation on yourself and you see what you’re capable of,” Armstrong said.

“For us the gelling of the group and the meshing and the chemistry has been our issue and that was by far our best game, so if that’s a sign of things to come I think we can replicate that.

“If we’re beating the best team in the league then we’re definitely in playoff contention so one game at a time and hopefully by the time that stuff rolls around we’ll be in the right spot.”

The challenges don’t stop for the Taipans this weekend though. After defeating the ladder-leaders last week their next opponent comes in the form of reigning champions Sydney on Thursday night.

The Kings are currently on a two-game losing streak after dropping fixtures to rivals Melbourne and Perth, and the clash will represent a return to Cairns for Sydney forward DJ Hogg.

Hogg made his debut for Sydney last time the Kings headed to Far North Queensland, but former teammate Tahjere McCall was absent for the clash due to the birth of his child.

McCall says taking on opponents like Hogg pushes him to be better.

“We can’t let him get the best of us,” McCall said of his former teammate. “When you play against your friends you want to win and you want to push them and have the bragging rights.

“Also, when you play against good players and skilled players like that they test how good you are and push you to become better. It’s always a great challenge. Him and Jaylen Adams, those are my guys.”

Sydney and Cairns face off on Thursday night from 7:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo.