Breakers’ destiny in own hands — Maor

WELLINGTON: Breakers coach Mody Maor has reminded his squad that the next game is always the most important one.

The Breakers, who made an early exit from Auckland to avoid any possible travel disruptions because of the weather, have two regular ANBL season games left and can clinch an automatic semifinal spot if they win both.

They flew to Queenstown on Tuesday and headed to Australia yesterday before tonight’s game at Illawarra.

They then take on the Bullets in Brisbane on Saturday in their final regularseason game.

For Maor and the players, their destiny is in their own hands.

‘‘We’ve worked very hard to be in this situation,’’ Maor said at their last training session in Auckland.

‘‘This is a goal we set for ourselves on the first day of preseason.

‘‘As an athlete, this is what you want — your destiny in your own hands — so it’s on us to go out there and perform, and we welcome the challenge.’’

While the Breakers have secured at least the No 3 seeding, they can overtake Cairns for second spot.

However, Maor said they could not afford to look too far ahead.

‘‘The only thing in a player and coach’s life is the next possession. All the rest is noise.

‘‘That’s 100% how we need to address this. It’s not about winning two — it’s about winning the next.’’

The Breakers were beaten by the bottomplaced Illawarra Hawks the last time they met, but Maor is confident his side is focused on what is required now.

‘‘These guys have proven to me over the season that they have a good understanding of what’s important and what’s not.’’

Interestingly, the Breakers have a better away record than at home.

They are 77 at home and 93 on the road.

‘‘I think we’re a good team in general. It doesn’t matter if we’re away or home — these guys are tough.’’ — RNZ