Breakers high-flier downed but hopeful of making grand final
AS THOMAS ABERCROMBIE’S hopes of playing a part in the NBL grand final hang by a thread, the New Zealand Breakers star has declared he bears no grudge against the Townsville player who has put his participation under a dark cloud.
Abercrombie presented at the Breakers recovery session yesterday in a moon boot and walking with the aid of a crutch. He admits it’s touch and go whether he can recover in time to play in Thursday night’s grand final opener against the Perth Wildcats.
What he was clear about yesterday was the anger he felt at the time towards Peter Crawford of the Crocs who took Abercrombie down in a meaningless, and dubious, late play that had many questioning the intent of the Townsville player.
The incident came with 1min 36sec remaining in the semifinal decider at Vector Arena with the Breakers leading 91-76. They would go on to win 97-80. Abercrombie had a breakaway dunk, but Crawford came in from behind and took the high-flier down, which resulted in him rolling his left ankle inwards, causing the damage.
The referees had no hesitation in calling the foul unsportsmanlike.
The official prognosis yesterday was done, and I guess that’s where the reaction came from.’’
Abercrombie said he now accepted Crawford’s apology which was made in person after the game, though he seemed less than convinced by the justifications.
‘‘I was angry because I knew the game was over at that stage, and thought I was done for the finals. I was pretty disappointed and frustrated. I didn’t feel like the foul was necessary.
‘‘But I don’t hold any grudges. I respect Peter, he’s a great competitor and he was obviously upset they were losing.
‘‘It was just a hard playoff foul. think he’ll feel horrible about it.’’
Abercrombie had played a key part in an emphatic performance from the Breakers. He scored 19 points, combining three triples with eight (from nine) free-throws, while backcourters CJ Bruton (20 points, three assists) and Daryl Corletto (19 points, two boards, two assists and two steals) provided the other significant contributions.
Now Perth awaits (88-67 winners over the Gold Coast in their decider) in the matchup that the whole league has anticipated all season.
‘‘We’ve had some great battles this year and I think we’re in for a couple more. They deserve to be in the final, and it’s got all the makings of a great series.’’
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