The records continue to tumble for the 2026 Melbourne Mavericks squad with the team registering a four consecutive victories for the first time in their short history.
Gez Murphy and his squad went into the Pride Round 14 clash against the Firebirds with a finals berth already secured but victory will almost certainly guarantee them a home clash against the Fever in next weekend's elimination showdown.
The 60-57 score underlines the form the group have come into in recent weeks with wins over the Lightning, Fever and Vixens already secured in the past month.
But nothing came easy. With the Mavs seemingly cruising through the clash the Firebirds mounted a comeback in the third quarter meaning the match went down to the wire in the final term.
Super shot specialist Uneeq Palavi made the difference in the last quarter, putting her side ahead and then consolidating the lead.
"This means everything to me," Palavi said. "We're going to finals!"
Delighted with the grit his team showed in the face of adversity, Murphy heaped raise on their ability to compose themselves under pressure.
"Earlier in the season these were the leads that might have got the better of us," he said. "Tonight just shows how far the team has come in their confidence to fight back.
"This is amazing and I couldn't be happier. Bring on finals."
Whether the Mavs play at home will be determined by the Fever v Vixens result on Sunday afternoon.
Mavs members and fans can check back after 4pm Sunday (AEST) for confirmation on whether have have secured a home final, time, date and when tickets will be on sale.
