KEY POINTS:
While Taranaki have taken on the role of this year's "spoilers," rookie coach Trent Adam has not given up hope of making the National Basketball League semifinals.
They enhanced their giant-killers' reputation with a 99-84 home victory over league leaders Auckland, their second successive win over post-season contenders after taking out Nelson this month.
Their exploits over the past two weeks will have delighted other title aspirants.
"We knew there would be a lot of teams quite happy that we beat Nelson and I'm sure they will be just as happy with us beating Auckland," Adam said. "If we can keep putting performances together and get some wins, maybe we can create a log jam in the middle of the table.
"If we can do that, we're not out of it, although realistically it won't be an easy ride."
Taranaki are seventh in the standings with a 6-7 record.
Of the teams ahead of them, they have already split season series with Nelson, Wellington and defending champions Hawkes Bay.
In their five remaining games, they still have an opportunity to seriously dent the playoff ambitions of, in order, Auckland, North Harbour and Waikato, albeit all on the road.
Their win over Auckland finally felled a side vulnerable for a fortnight since imports Tashaan Forehan-Kelly and Daniel Lambert left.
Ironically, Auckland had just added replacements Corey Hallett and Brandon Cole to their roster, but could not overcome the loss of Tall Black Casey Frank to suspension.
In Frank's absence and with 2.08m Hallett still coming to grips with his new surroundings, Taranaki veteran Link Abrams had a field day, scoring 32 points and nabbing 18 rebounds.
"Over the course of his NBL career, Link has been absolutely outstanding, but perhaps a bit undervalued," Adam said.
"People always talk about his lack of size, but he still puts up great numbers, year in and year out."
Auckland and Nelson top the standings on 18 points, having played 12 and 13 matches respectively, while North Harbour are on 16 after 10 outings.
Hawkes Bay and Wellington are both on 14, followed by Waikato and Taranaki on 12.
- NZPA
