But Minnesota Lynx point guard Renee Montgomery insists the Canberra Capitals "can work through" their early season growing pains, and she is adamant her new team's WNBL season is not done yet.

The Capitals are winless after six games and look like a team devoid of confidence after another third-quarter fade out condemned them to a 91-63 home loss to Melbourne Boomers on Saturday night.

Montgomery had nine points and five turnovers in 21 minutes of play a day after getting off the plane, and she showed glimpses she will be a handy addition with her penetration creating opportunities for teammates.

While she is optimistic Canberra can turn things around, the 28-year-old conceded "we have a lot of things to fix" before Friday's trip to Sydney Flames.

She said showing defensive grit in adversity is the only way to reverse their fortunes.

"Boxing out and rotations are going to be big for us, because every time I turned around I felt like someone was getting a lay up and that will kill you," she said.

"If any team goes on a 22-2 run it's very difficult to fix, at some point you have to get a couple of stops in a row and we didn't do that.

"This is my first game and we can't panic, but we do have to make some changes and fix some things.

"I've always been a positive person, we can work through it. We do have a lot of things to fix but it's the beginning of the season."

The signing of Montgomery continues the growing trend of American players turning down the riches of Europe to compete in Australia.

"Europe is really tough, it's the top players in the world but the WNBL is also tough," she said.

"I've heard about it and I'm excited to see the competition level, especially coming from Russia which is considered the best league out there other than the WNBA."

Capitals coach Carrie Graf expects Montgomery to hit her straps once she gets a full week's training under her belt to transition into the system.

"It was obvious there was only a couple of things we could run with her on the floor, but I thought she showed signs she's going to help us," Graf said.

"She can penetrate and get in the lane, she can open up the game for other people.

"With a week [of training] under her belt, she's certainly going to give us a bit more."

WNBL - ROUND 5

Friday: Sydney Flames v Canberra Capitals at Brydens Stadium, 7pm