Bach gives lift to Breakers’ rollercoaster season

Webster brothers, Corey and Tai, as they made it two in a row with a valuable 97-92 Wednesday night victory over the Brisbane Bullets in Melbourne.

But this time the Websters got more than a little help from their friends, with Bach’s contribution off the bench intrinsic to a victory that lifts them to 3-6 for the season, and 2-2 (14pts) in the self-contained NBL Cup. The peripatetic Kiwi club, down two starters, would appear to have turned a corner.

Hitherto, Bach’s influence had been confined to piecemeal contributions at best. But on Wednesday night the Aussie-dane with the American accent produced his signature display in a Breakers singlet to pour in 16 points in 20 invaluable minutes off the bench. He made five of seven shots, including four of six from beyond the arc, and scored the Breakers’ last five points with a big triple to put his team up 95-88 and then two late free-throws to ice the victory.

‘‘People always focus on the players that score and have the ball in their hands a lot, but it takes a lot of detail, a lot of work from a lot of people in games like this, and also a lot of big plays,’’ said Shamir afterwards. ‘‘A lot of players did that, and Rasmus was one of them.

‘‘He will tell you what the secret was. We fixed his head a little bit yesterday. It worked and probably we will have to do it more, and with some more players.’’

Bach: ‘‘The secret was the Luna Park excursion we went on yesterday, so thanks to the NBL for putting that on. The G forces helped clear out my head and locked me in.’’

The Websters were again special. Corey led the team with a game-high 21 points (his fifth straight game over the 20-point mark), 7 rebounds and 4 assists. He made 9 of 14 shots and was 2 of 3 from deep as he continues to play with rare efficiency and a willingness to let the game come to him.

Tai added 19 points, 9 boards and 4 dimes and also shot it at a proficient clip (7 of 13 overall). Together they form the most destructive one-two backcourt punch in the league.

Melbourne United are up next tonight (9.30pm, NZT) riding a 9-1 record for 2021 and looking a million dollars.

The wild ride continues for the Breakers.