BNZ Breakers into Top Six – Time to Hit the Highway

Following a decisive 99-86 victory over the Tasmania JackJumpers at Spark Arena on Saturday, the BNZ Breakers have secured their third consecutive win, vaulting the club into the NBL’s top six.

With the team starting to finding top gear, the BNZ Breakers (7-10) are now shifting their focus to a critical four-game pre-Christmas road haul that will test their resolve and momentum.

Head Coach Petteri Koponen knows it’s a long way to the top of the NBL standings, and the Breakers are ready to pay their dues on the Aussie highways to get there.

“There are no stop signs and no speed limits on the intensity we need to bring to every arena.” he said.

Saturday’s victory showcased a team finding its rhythm, beat and balance. Five players scored in double figures, with imports Izaiah Brockington (22 points) and Rob Baker II (18 points) combining for 40 points. MVP candidate Parker Jackson-Cartwright was once again the architect of the win, delivering 16 points and 12 assists while controlling the tempo.

Koponen praised the collective effort on Saturday, noting that the squad is evolving into a dangerous unit where every player understands their role.

“I am excited that I have a whole squad contributing across the game. The guys are stepping up and showing me they want to win.”

However, as the team prepares to leave Auckland, celebrations have been brief. The BNZ Breakers will not return to Spark Arena until January 4, facing a demanding schedule that sees them travel to South East Melbourne (Dec 13), Cairns (Dec 19), Brisbane (Dec 22), and a Boxing Day rematch in Tasmania (Dec 26).

While a relentless pre-Christmas schedule across four different cities might look like a highway to hell to some, this squad is embracing the chaos.

"We can’t lose our focus. We are starting to click on all cylinders, but we have to be road warriors again," Koponen stated. "When we hit the highway, I think this group is ready to rock ‘n roll."

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