Snakes smiling their way to the finals

The Taipans are having fun.

While the increased winning always helps, the playing group, compiled by coach Mike Kelly, appears to be one of the more close-knit the club has had in years, with an abundance of smiles on show at training and on game day.

One moment on Friday night against Illawarra showed just how much fun the Snakes are having in season 2019-20.

The game was well and truly over in the second half against the struggling Hawks, but co-captain Nate Jawai put his body on the line to dive on a loose ball, which handed Cairns another offensive possession.

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 31: Scott Machado of the Taipans smiles after winning the round 18 NBL match between the Cairns Taipans and the Illawarra Hawks at the Cairns Convention Centre on January 31, 2020 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The experienced Jawai slid across the floor to steal the ball back and the bench, led by then resting MVP candidate Scott Machado and the recovering Kouat Noi, celebrated like he had hit a game winning shot.

"This playing group, it is so much fun, it is always better when you are winning," forward Fabijan Krslovic said of his teammates post-game.

"Unfortunately, last year we were not in this position, but we have turned it around, and having fun - everything is positive.