The Sydney Flames have just six games remaining during the WMNBL25 regular season and all of them are vitally important for the team's finals chances.
Guy Molloy's side currently sits in fourth, going into round 13, as the team attempts to qualify for the post-season for the first time in seven seasons.
The first step of that mission is on Wednesday when the Hoops Capital side heads to Townsville to take on the Fire.
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And if his side is going to reverse the result from the last time they played in Townsville, he knows it starts on the defensive end.
"On Sunday, we produced a much better defensive effort, with all of our squad buying into our principles on that end of the floor," Molloy said.
"Effort is a big part of producing on the defensive end and playing with that same type of intensity on Wednesday will be a non-negotiable for us.
"Assisting that is executing on offence and playing with our own pace, so we get the shots we want and can get set up on defence.
"We know they're a confidence side and got rolling in the first quarter last time we played them, so a fast start will also be imperative for us.
"We showed great improvement on Sunday from our previous matches and I'm confident we have even more growth in us, which I'm confident we can show this week."
Fans can watch the round 13 fixture live on ESPN from 7.30pm AEDT.
After that match, Molloy's side will return home for a clash with Perth at Quaycentre on Saturday, January 25 - with tickets still available here.
