Much improved, much to like about Breakers

Mody Maor’s New Zealand Breakers have been the big movers of the Australian NBL’s first phase – and two dud quarters against the defending champions does not change that.

It was why Maor was not reaching for any panic levers on the back of the 81-77 home defeat to the Sydney Kings last Sunday that took them into the international break on somewhat of a bum note.

The Breakers head into the brief pause ahead of anyone’s wildest expectations. They came into the season with a first-year head coach, nine new faces on the roster and with two years of baggage weighing them down thanks to the pandemic’s travel restrictions. No one had them contending, let alone sitting hard on the heels of the pacesetting Kings (7-2) six rounds in.

Maor’s men dropped to 6-3 with the Kings defeat, after winning six of their previous seven in a redhot spell anchored very much on the league’s premier defence. They have been fair to middling on the offensive side, but have rattled off the victories behind a suffocating and dogged defence that has knocked opponents off their stride.

It’s why Maor was quick to deflect any negativity in the wake of the Kings defeat that saw the Breakers close a first-half deficit that reached 22 all the way down to just two points in the waning moments –thanks to a 31-17 final term.

‘‘I don’t have concerns’’’ he replied, when asked if the withering finish had eased his issues from the first two quarters.

‘‘It’s a good lesson for us. This is something we learn from – something we get better from. These are moments, these the opponents, this is the competition we need to meet to be the best version of ourselves.

‘‘I’m happy we met it, and I’m also happy we didn’t hang our heads from a mental standpoint, and from a togetherness standpoint. This was good for us.’’

Considering the Breakers have still yet to put their full lineup on the floor, 6-3 represents a decent start (their best since ‘17-18 when they opened 9-1).

They have found an impressive early rhythm, particularly at the defensive end where they lead the league in opposition points (75.7) and opposition field goal percentage (40.3) and are third in 3-point percentage allowed (32.1).

The offence has not been so fluent (7th at 84.0 points a game), but there have been strong showings.

There is a lot to be happy about, with the club well placed to secure a first playoff spot since ‘17-18. This looks a team built for the long haul.