Breakers Fall to Kings, Te Rangi Reflects on Troubling Season

The New Zealand Breakers faced another setback in the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) on March 12, 2023, suffering their ninth defeat in 12 games. The team lost to the Sydney Kings with a final score of 79-72, despite holding a narrow lead of 41-39 at halftime. This latest loss places the Breakers at the bottom of the league standings, sitting ninth out of ten teams.

Breakers player Reuben Te Rangi spoke with D’Arcy to address the team’s struggles this season. The conversation highlighted the challenges the squad has faced as they navigate a difficult campaign.

Te Rangi expressed disappointment at the outcome against the Kings, emphasizing the need for improvement in both individual and team performance. “We have to learn to close out games,” he stated, reflecting on the missed opportunities that have plagued the Breakers.

The match against the Kings illustrated the inconsistencies that have characterized the Breakers’ season. After a competitive first half, the team faltered in the second half, allowing Sydney to capitalize on mistakes. Te Rangi acknowledged this trend, noting, “We start strong but need to maintain that momentum throughout the game.”

With only a few matches remaining in the regular season, the pressure is mounting for the Breakers to turn their fortunes around. The team hopes to leverage their upcoming games as opportunities to build confidence and cohesion.

Te Rangi remains optimistic about the potential for growth within the squad. He highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication as the foundation for future success. “We have the talent; we just need to come together as a unit,” he said.

As the Breakers prepare for their next challenge, the focus will be on refining their strategies and addressing the issues that have led to their current standings. The players, including Te Rangi, are committed to pushing through this difficult phase and finding ways to secure crucial wins in the coming weeks.

In the fast-paced world of the ANBL, every game counts. The Breakers must rally to improve their performance and finish the season on a high note. Te Rangi’s insights reflect a broader desire within the team to rise above the current challenges and reclaim their competitive edge in the league.