GAME 3 Q+A WITH HEAD COACH CHRIS LUCAS

Ahead of Wednesday night’s guaranteed epic Game 3, Chris Lucas sat down to answer some burning questions about the highly anticipated showdown between the Deakin Melbourne Boomers and the Southside Flyers.

Chris as we head into Game 3 what’s been the best part about coaching this particular squad?

Just the people, honestly. The chemistry between the group has been incredible all year and they’ve done a good job keeping things together under a lot of adversity. At the end of the day, our foundations are in place and now it’s about getting out there, enjoying what we do and playing with the grit and determination that I know they can.

What is special or different about coaching Finals?

Well, people just don’t want it to end for one. It’s not the grind of 21 games and making adjustments from game to game. It’s now win or go home and when you’re in that position in finals, it brings out the best in people. I think it’s exciting, we’ve deserved the right to be in Finals because I’ve always believed that if you’re good enough to be there, you’ll be there. Now it’s about taking the opportunity.

Naz and Jordin made the WNBL First and Second team this season. What makes these two players so special and what have they brought to the team that has changed the game play?

Firstly they’re very different players as they play different roles. They’re just high-quality individuals which has brought a dynamic and professionalism to the group that I believe a lot of our players have grasped on to. They have an air of confidence about them which makes people around them better. I feel pretty privileged to have those two imports, they’ve been not only good players, but terrific people.

We now sit one apiece with Southside Flyers, playing out like last year’s Semi-Final Series. What’s integral to ensure team success tomorrow night?

Playing every possession, one at a time. I think the possession game against the Flyers is big because they are so tall and experienced. If you look at their games played and the experience they have on the floor, it’s paramount to what we have. But we’ve proven all year that we can compete with them regardless of who we’ve got playing. We’ve lost by 2 and we’ve lost by 4 and that should give us a lot of confidence going into this game and understanding that it may take 39 minutes to get a result. It’s going to come down to who’s more desperate and wants it more. I’m hoping it’s another great game of women’s basketball.

Game 3 of the WNBL CYGNETT Semi Final Series between the Deakin Melbourne Boomers and the Southside Flyers tips off tomorrow night at 7pm!

Secure your seat at the Boom Box here, you won’t want to miss it!

You can also watch Game 3 on ESPN and Kayo!