Express eye back-to-back titles
The Windsor Express meet at center court before the first game of the central division playoffs at the WFCU Centre in Windsor on March 26, 2015. The Brampton A’s defeated the Express 99-97. (PHOTO BY JORDAN CASCHERA)
Michael Hugall/Converged Citizen Staff
Back-to-back championships are on the minds of the Windsor Express organization as it is in the National Basketball League of Canada’s final series for the second year in a row.
The NBL Central champion Express take on the Atlantic division representatives, the Halifax Rainmen. The thought of repeating is evident but head coach Bill Jones said it hasn’t been the focus until the match-up with Halifax.
“We have the opportunity to go out and repeat, so the guys (players) have to realize that you don’t get these many opportunities,” said Jones.
Jones said Halifax is not going to roll over for the Express. He acknowledged the idea that adjustments must be made in the finals in order to repeat as champions.
“We still have to control on their pick and roll they are heavy on that,” said Jones. “They killed us on the offensive boards (so) we have to be able to block out and have our guards come and help.”
Halifax will be a tough match-up the rest of the series after finishing first in the Atlantic Division, while scoring more than 100 points in each of their 10 playoff games this year.
After dropping the opening game 113-104, Rainmen head coach, Joseph Claros said his team cannot blame the 17 day layoff for the Rainmen’s poor performance.
“They haven’t seen our good team yet,” said Claros. “Friday they will see more focus in the aspect of defence… you will see, we are a good team and they’re not going to call us bad two games in a row.”
Game 2 is scheduled for April 17, 2015 as the Express continue the series at home. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Express forward, Chris Commons had a game high in points scoring 33 points on 12 of 20 shooting from the floor. Aside from his performance, Commons said it’s not just about him.
“Our team is full of great basketball players… all-stars if they were with other teams,” said Commons. “You can’t forget about (DeAndre Thomas) can’t forget Ryan (Anderson).”
The Windsor Express aim to be the first back-to-back champions in the league’s brief history.
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