Breakers eye Philadelphia 76ers showdown

With the first match of their NBA pre-season tour complete, the BNZ Breakers eye their next challenge against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Despite falling short in the final score, the Breakers left Utah having proven their potential and embraced the opportunity to test themselves against the Jazz.

Head coach Petteri Koponen said he was proud of the team's mindset going into the game.

“I think we took the game with the right attitude. I told the guys to go and enjoy the moment. What we put out there all starts with us.”

The Breakers had their moments, putting together stretches of smooth, competitive basketball. 

“We want to improve and use these games to help us going back to the NBL season, and I think we did that. We had long stretches where we played good basketball and I’m proud of that,” Koponen added. 

Against a physically imposing Jazz lineup, those stretches proved that New Zealand club can hang with NBA-level competition.

One of the game’s standout performances came from 17-year-old NBL Next Stars forward Karim Lopez, who displayed impressive composure. 

“Karim came in with the right attitude. He took the challenge and was aggressive,” said Koponen. 

“Today it clicked, and he played a great game, on the defensive end too. He’s only 17, so there’s a long way to go in his career.”

The game also marked a reunion for Koponen, who played alongside Utah’s Lauri Markkanen in Finland’s national team. 

“We played many years together in our national team. Back in the day, basketball wasn’t that big in Finland, so to see him here on this stage is great.”

The Breakers now turn their attention to another big test - a matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday 8 October at 12pm (NZT).

Facing Joel Embiid and a star-studded lineup, the Breakers will once again look to compete and grow, sharpening their skills as they continue their NBA pre-season tour.

The game will be broadcast live on NBL+ and NBA League Pass.