“This is bad basketball": Forde’s blunt verdict on Taipans

Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde was left to lament another disappointing loss for his team on Thursday night, saying his players “lack the edge” required to win right now.

It was the seventh straight loss for a team highly touted to be in the championship mix following an off-season recruiting spree. Even with injuries and misfortune proving costly, no one at the club could be content with this start.

“This is not great, this is bad basketball … we have to address it right now,” Forde said following the 28-point defeat.

“What’s your edge, what’s your desperation? I can’t want it more for you.

“It can be a moment in someone’s career to establish themselves.”

Forde pointed to his team’s lack of urgency in key moments after they led 41–40 midway through the second quarter, only to concede a 10-point half-time deficit.

Tyrell Harrison, Casey Prather and Jaylen Adams dominated the second half as the Taipans crumbled under pressure.

“It was too easy; Brisbane were able to get what they wanted,” Forde continued.

“What we lack is that edge. We’ve got a lot of nice guys … they don’t like losing by 30, you can feel it.

“But you can play hard without talent and get wins.”

Jack McVeigh battled hard in his return from a wrist injury, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds and six assists - a rare positive on a rough night in Brisbane.

The Taipans get the chance to atone against Tasmania in enemy territory on Saturday night.