Breakers Eye Redemption Against Perth After Dominant Win

The New Zealand Breakers will seek to build on their recent success as they face the Perth Wildcats on Saturday night at RAC Arena. The Breakers emerged victorious against the Brisbane Bullets, winning decisively with a score of 113-84 in the Ignite Cup at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre. This win marked a significant milestone for the team, who have struggled to maintain momentum after strong performances earlier in the season.

Coach Petteri Koponen praised his team for their performance, calling it “beautiful basketball.” The Breakers dominated the game, particularly in the second quarter, where they outscored the Bullets 41-18. This impressive display included an outstanding shooting performance, as the team made 15 of 18 shots and converted 6 of 7 attempts from three-point range during that period. By halftime, the Breakers had established a commanding lead of 68-36, leaving little doubt about the outcome.

Despite their previous victory, the Breakers are aware of the pitfalls that can occur when attempting to follow up a strong performance. Earlier this season, they lost after leading by 24 points against the Bullets in a match on October 23. Koponen emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and consistency as they head into the match against Perth, stating, “We go there to fight. We believe in our chances if we do things collectively.”

Key Players Shine in Recent Victory

In their latest game, the Breakers showcased a balanced team effort. Sam Mennenga led the scoring with 25 points and contributed six rebounds and two steals. Support came from Izaiah Brockington, who added 19 points, and Parker Jackson-Cartwright, with 15 points and seven assists. The young talent, Karim Lopez, made his mark as well, scoring 13 points in the first half, underscoring the depth of the squad.

The Breakers now find themselves in a favorable position in the Ignite Cup, having accumulated 13 out of a possible 14 points from their two victories. While their overall record stands at 4-9, the recent offensive surge hints at the potential they possess when executing their game plan effectively.

Koponen acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly with the upcoming match against the Perth Wildcats, a team known for its competitive spirit and strong roster. He noted the addition of new import David Duke and the return of key players like Jo-Lual Acuil and Dylan Windler. “Perth is a great team,” he stated. “It’s another challenge, but we go there to fight.”

Looking Ahead

The Breakers have struggled to secure back-to-back victories this season, having come up short after previous strong performances. After a dominant home opener against the Illawarra Hawks, they lost to the Phoenix, and similar patterns emerged after other significant wins.

Now, with the confidence gained from their latest triumph, the team aims to break this cycle. They are focused on executing their strategy, maintaining their defensive intensity, and continuing to share the ball effectively. As Koponen said, “Sometimes basketball is so simple. When you get open shots, can you knock them down? Today we shot the ball pretty well and got to the paint.”

As the Breakers prepare for the challenge in Perth, the players and coaching staff remain optimistic about their chances. The upcoming game is not just about securing a win; it represents an opportunity to turn their season around and establish themselves as serious contenders in the NBL. The Breakers are ready to prove that they can follow up a significant victory with another, as they take the court against the Wildcats.