"It's semifinals time so everybody's going to lift," Magic defender Casey Williams said. "For us it's all about making sure that we still do our jobs properly and all the way for the whole 60 minutes."
Williams said Magic coach Noeline Taurua had been the key to the team's turnaround after a slow start to the season. Taurua believed she had a line-up of players at the top of their game.
"We're really aligning as a team ... everybody is doing their job and nobody is carrying anybody so the links are really strong."
Taurua said goal shoot Irene van Dyk was at her most skilful and has become more physical, taking on the aggressor role and making it harder to defend her.
She is pairing well with an ever-progressing Julianna Naoupu who has been "in a whole new realm" from last season, with a swagger Taurua is loving.
"She's oozing confidence and has the ability to back it. As a combination the shooters are sharing the load and that makes it hard for defenders to pick on just one, adding something extra at the attack end that was sporadic last season."
In the midcourt Taurua has no concerns about the leadership qualities of centre Laura Langman who has been in impressive form and has been controlling the momentum of the game.
She has had great back-up from Australian import Khao Watts at wing attack and rising star Elias Shadrock at wing defence, both hardworking performers who can be game breakers. Also key at Magic's defensive end are Williams and Leana de Bruin who are in excellent form.
"Casey is the aggressor and the past few games she's been in intimidating form ... has such a big presence on court, on attack and defence," Taurua said.
With a team in such good form, Taurua is confident, but never complacent. "You go into playoffs with a clean slate, everybody back on level pegging." Tonight's minor semifinal starts at 7.30pm at Hamilton's Claudelands Arena.
