Giants primed for sudden-death NBL1 eliminator on their home court

Interim coach Lennon Smartt has backed the Goldfields Giants to rebound strongly on their home court against Warwick to launch the side’s NBL1 finals campaign on Saturday night.

The Giants return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022 after finishing fifth.

But they find themselves in a sudden-death eliminator after last weekend’s big loss to East Perth foiled their top-four hopes and a double-chance when US imports De’Sean Parsons and Randy Bell played virtually lone hands for the team.

Smartt, however, said the squad was a talented one, with the aptitude to make a big statement against the visiting Senators, who finished eighth.

“There were a few learnings from that (East Perth) game,” Smartt said.

“But it was such an anomaly, I have no doubt we’ll turn the page quickly and with all of our attention now on Warwick who we had a big win against a couple of weeks ago at home by 20 (points).

“All the focus will be on how we can replicate that performance and be better overall.”

The Giants finished fifth when Geraldton, Joondalup, Willetton and Mandurah secured the top-four placings.

Goldfields matched the Magic’s 13-9 win-loss record, but were relegated to fifth on percentage.