Preview | BNZ Breakers v Sydney Kings

After returning to the winner's list in style in overtime on Friday night, the BNZ Breakers are back to Australia on Sunday to face the defending NBL champion Sydney Kings at Afterpay Arena.

The BNZ Breakers made if three wins from four games this season at home at Spark Arena so far this season on Friday night when they beat the Brisbane Bullets in an overtime thriller.

There was plenty to like in that performance too from the BNZ Breakers with the eventual 94-90 victory that improved them to a 5-8 record on the season as they now look to keep that momentum going on Sunday back in Australia.

The challenge in front of the BNZ Breakers are the Kings who remain in top spot with an 8-4 record even after their own loss on Friday night in Cairns where they had a 26-point lead in the first half against the Taipans before ending up losing a thriller 84-82.

That sets up a fascinating Sunday afternoon match up with a big crowd expected for the occasion at Afterpay Arena in what is the second meeting between the teams so far in NBL27.

If it's anything like the first clash, it is going to be quite the spectacle too after the BNZ Breakers beat the Kings 102-101 at Spark Arena back on October 14.

In that game, Sam Mennenga delivered 27 points and 13 rebounds with Carlin Davison adding 20 points and 14 assists while Mojave King chimed in with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists, DJ Vasiljevic 13 points and two assists, and former King Kouat Noi 10 points and three boards.

Looking back on Friday night's win against the Bullets at Spark Arena, BNZ Breakers coach Gordie Herbert liked the resilience and fighting spirit his team showed to get the job done.

"I think the guys showed great resilience, never gave up, kept fighting through, and it's a little bit of that these kind of games are where you build some mental toughness," Herbert said.

"When you keep doing that and keep doing that, and you come out on top, it's something for you to really build on so give a lot of credit to the players.

"They fought through some adversity to earn the game after coming into it with the losing streak and everything, so give a lot of credit to the players."

There were plenty of strong contributors from the BNZ Breakers in the overtime win, but the two stars undoubtedly were Davison and Vasiljevic.

Davison became the first New Zealander ever to have a triple-double for the BNZ Breakers, finishing with 19 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds, while Vasiljevic had his best performance for the club with 36 points on 12/20 field goal shooting, including 3/7 from deep and 9/10 at the stripe.

"First with DJ, I thought he had two really good days of practice so I wasn't really concerned, the only concern I would be if he stopped shooting," Herbert said.

"Then with Carlin, he will give me a heart attack pretty soon, it's a little bit Russian Roulette kind of stuff with a turnover, outstanding play, turnover, two outstanding plays but the kid's a gamer.

"Give him credit, he's a gamer and he seems to like the big moments and he wants the ball in his hands."

BNZ Breakers v Sydney Kings

Afterpay Arena, Sydney
Sunday 15 November, 2026
5:00pm tipoff (NZ time)

Next Home game
BNZ Breakers v South East Melbourne Phoenix

Spark Arena
Wednesday 18 November, 2026
7:30pm tipoff (NZ time)
Tickets available by clicking here