Breakers set strong platform to push forward

With a fresh playing group, a new coach in Petteri Koponen, hefty travel schedule and early injuries, the team has found ways to keep winning.

Through 10 games, the Breakers have proven to be one of the most balanced outfits in the league, with standout individual performances complementing an unselfish team ethos. 

One of the defining features of the Breakers’ game has been their ability to control the paint. With an average of over 50 points per game inside, they have also consistently controlled the boards. 

Every great team needs a leader, and for the Breakers Parker Jackson-Cartwright is the heartbeat of the club.

Averaging 18+ points per game while dishing out a league leading 7.40 assists, Jackson-Cartwright has been the linchpin of the Breakers’ offence.

The bench has also been one of their most valuable weapons, providing consistent and impactful minutes - averaging between 20-30 points per game.

Defensively, the Breakers have shown plenty of grit. They average over seven steals per game, while the team’s ability to contest shots and rotate effectively has been critical in disrupting teams.

The emergence of several players has added to the feeling around the club with the likes of big Kiwi Sam Mennenga and 17-year-old Karim Lopez lifting their game to the next level.

One of the most impressive notes is that the Breakers have gone through the better part of a month missing key players through injury.

With co-captain Mitch McCarron back from a knee injury last week, the side will bolster their ranks further with the impending return of Max Darling (groin), Mojave King (quad) and Jonah Bolden (calf).

The BNZ Breakers are back in action in Round 10 when they go on the road against Illawarra Hawks on Thursday 28 November at 9.30pm (NZT).