KD ready to point the way forward

This just got personal for Breakers point guard Kevin Dillard. It’s win or go home time, and he’s not ready to pack his suitcase just yet.

You certainly can’t accuse the 13-14 Breakers’ third import point guard for the season of not being invested in tonight’s regular season finale against Melbourne United (13-13) at the NSEC which will ultimately decide the fate of both teams’ quests to slip into the Australian NBL’s post-season.

Six teams are battling for the three playoff spots behind Adelaide over the final round, and in a blanket finish a myriad of possibilities can play out.

For the Breakers there is only one outcome they control – get the victory over Melbourne to get to 14-14, and then trust that the fates play out in their favour. Lord knows they’re due a break.

Anyway, Dillard is ready. And just a little motivated after his tetea-tete last round in Adelaide with 36ers star, and league MVP favourite, Jerome Randle. Both are Chicago hoopsters and Randle had a little too much to say in the leadup, and then in the closing minutes of an 88-87 Breakers victory, for Dillard’s liking.

Dillard feels like the Randle matchup brought out the best in him (he had 20 points, three assists and a pair of steals) and he’s desperate to get another crack at the No 1-seeded 36ers in the playoffs.

‘‘I feel like it was a little bit personal [with Randle] just because of all the stuff that came out in the media,’’ Dillard said. ‘‘I don’t like to talk bad about anybody; I just like to go out and play. I like to play against good guards, especially ones that feel like they are already on top because I play like I’ve got something to prove.

‘‘Hopefully we win this game and we meet them in the playoffs. That’s why I’m going to take this game personal. I want that matchup one more time.’’

To get there he’s going to have to get past Melbourne’s own star point guard Casper Ware. Dillard is running at 18.4 points (fifth in the league), 4.4 assists (fifth) and 1.5 steals (fourth), while Ware averages 21.7ppg (second) and 4.5apg (fourth) and, like Dillard, loves the big moments.

Dillard has followed Ware’s career since he succeeded the California product as an import with Casale in Italy, and has plenty of respect for the playmaker’s game.

‘‘He’s a high-level guard, but it will be a good matchup, not only for the fans but for both of us. We’re both elite guards, we’re both good character guys, and we’ll see who gets the best out of who.’’

Dillard’s chirpiness is a good sign for the Breakers who will need his experience in these type of situations.

‘‘I’ve got to be aggressive, and not take anything for granted,’’ he added. ‘‘I didn’t come here just to play nine games. I came here to make the playoffs. I’m taking this personal. It’s not a dream, it’s a realistic goal for us.

‘‘I love pressure. I love the situation we’re in. I live for this. This is why you put all the hours in.’’