Offence steps up as Breakers triumph

The New Zealand Breakers have rediscovered their offensive spark, and the taste of victory. A 96-89 win over the Brisbane Bullets would have been a sweet relief for the Australian National Basketball League frontrunners, after a lacklustre week.

Following nine straight victories, the Breakers had slumped to two consecutive defeats, scoring just 73 and 76 points in the process.

One of those defeats was in Brisbane on Sunday, but a much livelier performance ensured a swift end to a brief losing streak.

The manner of the victory would be most pleasing, with the difference coming on the offensive end, with the Breakers notching their second highest total of the season so far.

Breakers coach Paul Henare was pleased with the offensive tempo and pace his side played at.

“The intent which we played with the ball — I thought it was one of our higher paced games. [Edgar] Sosa, DJ [Newbill] and Shea [Ili], the work they put in against their backcourt against the front of their press got us on the front foot.”

That factor was essential to give the Breakers an edge, because Brisbane were up to the initial challenge. The Bullets’ multi-talented big man trio of Daniel Kickert, Tom Jervis and Mitch Young were doing the early damage, with Kickert providing the outside shooting to complement Brisbane’s inside scoring.

A Kickert triple built the visitors an eight-point lead but the Breakers have found themselves in that position plenty of times this season, and promptly fought their way out.

An offensive onslaught rapidly put them back in front, a lead they held until halftime, going into the break with a 49-47 advantage.