Penney’s focus on win in 150th game
WELLINGTON: Kirk Penney’s focus lies more on ensuring a win than celebrating his 150th game in a Breakers singlet in tonight’s NBL clash against Adelaide in Auckland.
Penney has earned those numbers in two stints with the club, the first ending with the team’s maiden championship win in 2011.
His second began five years later when the 1.96mtall guard signed a threeyear deal in April 2016.
The Breakers sit second on the NBL ladder, having hit a patchy run of form after their ninematch winning streak was ended earlier this month by Brisbane.
The 36ers edged the Kiwis 9592 four days ago in Adelaide, and Penney is excited about what they will bring tonight.
‘‘Adelaide will be up and down. They have long defenders and always try and disrupt us and switch defences, very different to what a Sydney or a Brisbane might give you,’’ Penney said.
‘‘They are good. Last year they won the regular season and this year they have pretty much the same roster with a couple of import changes and are coming off a good win against us.
‘‘They are a formidable team and definitely the fastestpaced team in the league. They just want to outscore and outgun you, and are a fun team to play against.’’
Penney said the Breakers were still tight as a team, despite some inconsistent results in recent weeks.
‘‘I do like a ninegame winning streak, but one thing that is great about playing basketball is when you have that loss, you have to figure out how to move the pieces and get a win next time out,’’ he said.
‘‘With us playing Adelaide over there last week and now playing them at home on Friday night, we get the chance to make some changes and get a win.’’ — NZN