The pundits didn't expect the Hawks to win and they didn't tonight but co-captain Everard Bartlett said his troops were always going to take the court with a winning mentality.
"We got beaten so it was about our time together which showed our lack of chemistry as a team," said Bartlett after defending champions Wellington Saints made their intentions clear with a 107-84 statement over the win-less, last-placed Taylor Hawks from last season.
The 31-year-old shooting guard, who top scored with 19 for the Kirstin Daly-Taylor side in the capital in round one of the National Basketball League (NBL), said players were still rolling in.
Fiji-born, US-based Joshua Fox only arrived on Thursday night and that was reflected in the forward's 5:29 minutes on the court at the TSB Arena.
South Africa-born centre Grant Fiorentinos, covering for American import Amir Williams until he arrives early next month, landed here five days ago.
However, Bartlett was loath to make excuses for a first-up loss this season despite the odds.
"When you come up against a star-studded team and play as individuals then you're not going to win against a side that is eight deep against Tall Blacks and NBL stars.
"We have to understand to take the court to play together. Yes, it's going to take some time but, hopefully, we can get that [cohesiveness] fairly quickly," he said, after collecting eight rebounds and matching new US import Lamar Roberson who scored 13 points on debut.
Guard Tony Tolovae, also in his first Bay appearance, contributed 18 points after 35:49 minutes on the floor.
Fiorentinos, in 26:45, added 10 points to the cause and guard Anamata Haku 11.
All five Saints starters scored over double-digits as Corey Webster scored 29 points in under 25 minutes.
After playing last year overseas, former Nelson Giant and 2015 unrestricted forward of the year, Josh Duinker, delivered 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists on debut. Tai Wesley added 17 on 8-10 shooting and small forward Leon Henry scored 15.
Hawks co-captain and point guard, Jarrod Kenny, didn't play as he was expected to celebrate tomorrow night with ANBL title-winning Perth Wildcats.
Bartlett said Roberson was "dangerous" with his three points once he would fall into the matrix.
"He brings energy, intensity and once he settles in, hopefully, very quickly because that's what we need right now."
The hosts won the first three quarters 29-19, 30-17, 27-22 before taking the foot off the throttle in the final spell, 21-26.
Bay-born Bartlett agreed defensively the Hawks were exposed because 84 points was enough to win any game.
"Giving up 107 points ... wasn't acceptable and it was our fault with a lack of communciation, direction ... and we were up against a team which will punish if you do that and they did."
The Hawks host the Canterbury Rams in Napier on Sunday in a 3pm tip off.
Bartlett said every Hawks coach he played under - Shawn Dennis, Paul Henare, Tab Baldwin and Daly-Taylor - emphasised the importance of winning at home and Sunday wouldn't be any different to establish a "fortress mentality".
"No one comes in our home and no one beats us at our home so every coach that I've been involved with so we have to make sure every player turns up in those games."
Scrapping, not giving up easy baskets and fouling any opposition player driving to the lanes are all on the agenda.
"We play physically, we play hard and that's the mentality we have to bring come Sunday."