In front of a season-record crowd of 2572 fans at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, the Spirit put their precarious financial position behind them to topple the glamour Melbourne franchise and move within striking distance of the top four.

However, the next seven days will determine if the season continues for the Spirit, either under new owners or under the auspices of the NBL board and a bail-out package from the owners of rival franchises in the league.

Meantime, the Sydney franchise intend on playing every game like it is the last because it could be.

Led by Matt Knight (27 points) and Liam Rush (15 points) the Spirit took their first steps on the path to redemption by knocking over the Brian Goorjian-coached outfit.

Former Parramatta junior Luke Martin (13 points, five assists) relished his surprise recall to the team, following the withdrawal of American import Derrick Low, igniting the Spirit's fourth-quarter surge to victory.

Spirit skipper Jason Smith fought back tears at the post-match press conference as he reflected on the toughest week of his 14-year NBL career.

``I'm emotionally spent I really am,'' Smith said.

``I spent so much effort on behalf of the guys just trying to get this done and just to get tonight done.

``We'll re-evaluate during the week whether we can continue but I don't think I've ever been through anything harder.

``But I look at Luke Martin, Graeme Dann, Clint Reed, Drew Williamson, the peripheral guys around the league that came in and just put their heart on their sleeve for the team.''

The Spirit (7-8) are scheduled to travel to Cairns to face the Taipans on Friday night and then face the Crocodiles in Townsville on Saturday night.

However, the trip and the rest of the season are still to be confirmed this week.