Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman believes that finding ways to win during their busy early-season schedule will prove invaluable as the competition rolls on.
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Playing their fourth match in nine days, United appeared listless as they fell behind by 12 points against the visiting Cairns Taipans but found enough momentum late to close out a 87-80 win.
"During this really heavy period (for us), when you can find a way to win, they are going to count for a lot at the end of the season," Vickerman said as his club improved their win-loss record to 6-3, trailing only the red-hot Perth Wildcats.
Vickerman admitted to feeling nervous about facing a Taipans team with talented scorers desperate to end a five-match losing sequence.
Preparations for the clash were further disrupted with centre Alex Pledger (illness) unable to take part, leaving Vickerman one big man short against Cairns powerhouse Nate Jawai.
But with the game in the balance, Melbourne's playmakers took charge when it mattered most.
"At the moment, when we haven't practiced and had practice reps, you feel like an NBA team where sometimes you've just got to let talent go," Vickerman said.
United has no shortage of talent and this time it was point guard Casper Ware doing the damage, getting the better of Taipans star import Melo Trimble to score 21 of his game-high 34 points in the second half to steer his side to victory.
"When we were struggling, we put it in his hands and as tired as he looked at different times, the quickness that he had to get to the rim on a number of those (drives) was outstanding," Vickerman said of his championship-winning floor general.
United appeared to have suffered a cruel blow in the third quarter when in-form veteran David Barlow was carried from the court after twisting his knee.
While Barlow returned to the action later in the quarter, his coach feared the worst for his starting power forward when the incident happened.
"It was pretty scary when he went down," Vickerman said.
"But I was so happy when the medical staff turned around and said he was good to go and throw him back in there."
Vickerman expects that Barlow will take his place in Friday's away clash with the New Zealand Breakers but will monitor Chris Goulding's recovery before making a decision on his availability.
The United captain played 26 minutes on his return from a knee injury and tallied four points on 1-of-8 shooting.
"I thought in the last couple of minutes he didn't look like he was running perfectly," Vickerman said.
"It will be interesting to see how he pulls up."
Australian Associated Press
