That is the reality the Otago Nuggets have faced this week.
They were destroyed by the Southland Sharks in Invercargill last Friday. The 114-67 defeat must rank alongside the Nuggets' worst losses. It is certainly the Nuggets' biggest loss this century. They lost by 42 points to both the Sharks and the Waikato Pistons in 2011, and to the Nelson Giants in 2003.
To say the Nuggets had an off night is like suggesting the planned $100 million hotel development for Dunedin's waterfront has upset a few people.
The Nuggets shot 27 from 84 from the floor (32%), landed eight of their 22 free throws and went five from 33 from the three-point line. It was horrific.
Defensively, the Nuggets were sluggish on transition and were outscored 46-22 in the paint. Perhaps most disappointingly, the Nuggets never rallied. The night just kept getting worse.
But the Nuggets have an opportunity for redemption tomorrow afternoon when they host the competition-leading Wellington Saints, the only team the Nuggets have not beaten this season.
Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge believes the big loss to the Sharks may have actually been beneficial.
''I think it has woken us up,'' Arlidge said.
''Even though we trained hard we've got to train harder and smarter, and be closer as a unit.''
Shoring up the transition defence has been the main focus this week. The Sharks really exposed the Nuggets in that area. The franchise has taken great pride in its uncompromising defence this season and will be desperate to produce a much-improved performance.
In basketball, you have nights when the ball will not drop but defence is more about attitude.
''We shot 30-odd per cent which doesn't help ... but we also gave up too many easy lay-ups and too many easy baskets in transition.''
The good news for the Nuggets is the Saints will be playing their third game in six nights but Arlidge is not convinced that is as much of an advantage as it might seem.
''Wellington are always near the top or somewhere near it. They are the benchmark and I think three games in six days actually benefits a team. They've got a new player with Rick [Rickert] just coming in. The more time they play together will be good for them.''
It is the Nuggets' last game this season and they are undefeated on their home court in 2013. Maintaining that record is another source of motivation, and they can still finish on top of the standings. The Nuggets have not beaten the Saints since 2006. They were beaten 102-93 in the capital in May.
On that night, shooting guard Corey Webster scored 32 points and Bryant Markson added 24. The key, though, is getting to classy point guard Lindsay Tait. He was instrumental in the nine-point win with 20 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds.
His clash with Nuggets captain Mark Dickel promises to be a highlight. The pair are battling for the assist title with Dickel (7.7) trailing Tait (8.1) by a slim margin.
The Nuggets will need to get more out of Hayden Allen. The shooting guard posted a season-high 22 points against the Saints but has been starting off the bench. Centre Antoine Tisby had a disappointing match against the Sharks. He was outplayed by his opponent Brian Conklin and will need to assert himself against the Saints' twin towers of Rickert and Casey Frank.
Nuggets power forward BJ Anthony was one of the few players to maintain his standards in the loss to the Sharks, working hard for 13 rebounds. The Nuggets will need a big game from Anthony if they are going to upset the Saints.
Meanwhile, the Sharks have joined the Nuggets, Saints and Giants in the four-team playoffs in Hawkes Bay after beating the Manawatu Jets 94-89 in Palmerston North last night.
Nuggets v Saints
Edgar Centre, tomorrow, 3pm
Otago Nuggets: Antoine Tisby, BJ Anthony, Akeem Wright, Riki Buckrell, Mark Dickel (captain), Hayden Allen, Brendon Polyblank, James Ross, Matt Trueman, Luke Aston, Tony Fisher, Sheldon McGuire.
Wellington Saints: Rick Rickert, Lindsay Tait, Izyah Le'afa, Damien Ekenasio, Corey Webster, Jordan Mills, Bryant Markson, Arthur Trousdell, Casey Frank, Victor Groom.
