Melbourne United star Casper Ware says his side has no excuses heading into their showdown with the Sydney Kings on Saturday.
From October 29 to November 18, Melbourne's schedule was hectic, featuring no fewer than seven games. In fact, this week has been their first proper training week in that time.
Casper Ware.Credit:AAP
The reigning champions were impressive during their exhausting schedule winning six games and moving to second place on the ladder with an 8-3 win-loss record.
Some teams can find a good rhythm from just playing game after game then struggle to adjust to training and preparing again but Ware has backed his side to be ready for Saturdays clash at Melbourne Arena against the third-placed Kings (5-3).
Advertisement
"Its going to be really different this week but its a no excuses kind of deal," Ware said.
"We are all rested. We have scouted very well and had time to do everything.
"Got our bodies right. So its one of those times when you come to the game with no excuses."
Melbourne prided themselves on competitive, unrelenting training sessions last season and they returned to those sessions after their schedule forced them to slow down recently.
"It just means we can get up to speed with training," Ware said.
"We had a competitive day Wednesday, it was game-like, aggressive and nobody wanted to lose.
"If we can get training to that level, like its a game, then we will be OK."
Kings guard Kevin Lisch missed last weeks win over New Zealand after taking a knock to the jaw at training although its believed he will play.
"You just have to go about like he is playing," Ware said.
"If he is not playing then we will deal with it and make the adjustments.
"All of them are pretty aggressive, you cant just say, 'Lisch is out so we can relax', as they are good enough that someone else can step up for them so we will prepare for the same."
Ware is held in the highest regard by Melbourne United and a bit was made about his quiet offensive start to the season but he has caught fire posting a season-high 34 points against Cairns then returns of 24 points and five assists against New Zealand and 23 points and six assists against Brisbane in the past three games.
Wares dad, Casper Sr, calls after each game with his critique and those calls have become more positive.
"You are not going to be good every game, everybody goes through a slump, no matter if you are Kobe (Bryant), LeBron (James), it doesnt matter," Ware said.
"You are going to go through it and its all about how you get out of it. You dont shy away from it, you take it head on. Thats what I did.
"Now he calls and says, 'nice game'. He dont have too much to say.
"He says, 'I like that game, you look like me now'."
In the WNBL, the Melbourne Boomers hope to have two starters back in their side to face the Capitals in Canberra on Friday night.
Australian Opals stars Ezi Magbegor and Steph Talbot are both likely to be back from injury for the clash with the Capitals who had a close loss to the Boomers in Canberra earlier this season.
Magbegor missed six games due to her hand injury, which happened in the last Canberra game, and she will offer much-needed help considering the Capitals are led by WNBA star Kia Nurse and Opals forward Kelsey Griffin.
The Boomers return to Melbourne to host Adelaide Lightning at the State Basketball Centre on Sunday at 3pm.
Melbourne United take on the Sydney Kings at Melbourne Arena on Saturday at 2.50pm.
Roy Ward is a Sports writer for The Age.
[contf] [contfnew] 
Australian Breaking News Headlines
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
