Defence
It gets boring and no-one really needs reminding, but a tight defence is essential. The Nuggets began the season with an impressive record in this area but have let their standards slip over the last two or three weeks. They need to get back to what made them such a force in this league.
Their transition defence, in particular, needs to lift dramatically. But the franchise is blessed with three of the best defenders in the league in Akeem Wright, Hayden Allen and Mark Dickel. The Nuggets held the Giants to just 59 points in Dunedin. A similar effort tonight will see them through to the final.
Triple threat
The Nuggets boast a formidable forward line featuring BJ Anthony, Antoine Tisby and Wright. When all three are working in unison, the Nuggets' power under the rim is unrivalled with the possible exception of the Wellington Saints. Lately, though, the trio have not been able to dominate under the hoop the way they would have liked. Tisby can go missing in matches. Wright can be a streaky player and Anthony has been getting into foul trouble.
But if they get it right, they are good for 60 points and 30 rebounds between them.
Foul trouble
The Nuggets are a different beast with Anthony on the court. The 1.98m power forward has helped transform the club into a title contender this season with some dynamic efforts. His raw power and strength under the hoop and his ability to change it up and drill three-pointers make him a very difficult match-up.
The immensely talented Mika Vukona will attempt to shut him down but the Giants' best prospect of keeping him quiet is for Anthony to get himself into foul trouble - something he has proven quite skilled at. He is aware it has been his Achilles heel this season and told the Otago Daily Times earlier this week the key was to avoid early fouls and to stay focused. The Nuggets' prospects of success rise with every extra minute he plays.
Confidence
The Nuggets' morale has taken a battering recently. They were humbled 114-67 by the Southland Sharks late last month and comprehensively beaten 97-72 by the Saints two weeks ago. They were two very shonky performances and out of character for a side which had set the benchmark.
But perhaps the remarkable 145-137 quadruple overtime win against the Taranaki Mountain Airs last weekend has restored some belief in the camp. You don't get to take a single possession off when you are playing in overtime and that experience may have served to harden the team's resolve.
