Atiba Lyons expects to deliver the easiest team-talk of the season when he sends his Sheffield Sharks onto the court to face Surrey 89ers in Super League Basketball tonight.

Sharks suffered a surprise home defeat to a side they traditionally have the better of less than two weeks ago.

Sheffield responded by putting 106 points on Manchester last Friday night and they head to Surrey for the first of a weekend double-header with London Lions to come to the Canon Medical Arena on Sunday, intent on getting revenge.

“They’re the easiest games to prepare for as a coach after a team has just beaten you,” said Lyons. “You don’t have to worry about whether your team is going to be ready. They know what to expect, they’ll want to put some things right.

Team talk: Atiba Lyons addresses his Sheffield Sharks players (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

placeholder image — Team talk: Atiba Lyons addresses his Sheffield Sharks players (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

“We played a solid game but not good enough. Surrey are playing good basketball, they’ve added a couple of new pieces but we’ve got to play the team.”

Last week’s win at Manchester further demonstrated the depth and variety of Sheffield’s scoring potential with six players hitting double-figures in points and no one topping 19.

Lyons feels there is more to come from his sharpshooters.

“We’ve said over the recent timeframe where we were getting people back that it felt like a pre-season with guys getting comfortable with each other,” he said.

“I think we’re getting to that level now, our style of play is starting to come together and guys know what their role is. That’s how we have to play more often than not when we have so many weapons.

“It takes time, but as we get better we’ll have to keep improving because teams will adjust.”