Sheffield Sharks close in on BBL play-offs thanks to 'fantastic energy'

More points off the bench and a ‘fantastic energy’ within the team has put Sheffield Sharks just one win away from clinching a play-off berth for the 27th successive season.

That is the verdict of head coach Atiba Lyons, whose side a month ago was fighting for their play-off existence and the continuation of that proud post-season record.

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But they go to Cheshire Phoenix on Sunday evening looking for a seventh straight win, one that would solidify sixth place and seal a top-eight spot.

Two of those wins have come against runaway leaders London Lions and last season’s champions Leicester Riders, vindicating Lyons’ decision to shake up his roster mid-season with the acquisition of Devearl Ramsey and Jalon Pipkins.

Sheffield Sharks head coach Atiba Lyons (Picture: Dean Atkins)Sheffield Sharks head coach Atiba Lyons (Picture: Dean Atkins)
Sheffield Sharks head coach Atiba Lyons (Picture: Dean Atkins)

"There’s a fantastic energy with the team, the guys are gelling and playing well together at the right time,” said Lyons.

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"They’re very good wins but there’s still things we can improve on. The whole goal is to reach our peak for the play-offs.”

There has been suggestion from within the team that Sharks are benefitting from transitioning to a small-ball line-up, in-keeping with trends in the league, but Lyons played down the significance, offering: “I’m just playing the best line-ups I can.

"Our bench scoring has really increased with the changes we’ve made, which is something we’ve struggled with.

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"And because of that we’re not giving teams a chance to take any time off as we’re staying aggressive and dynamic for the whole 40 minutes.

"The small-ball line-up, in its way, is definitely paying dividends.”