Cyclone Forces Breakers, JackJumpers into early Airport Dash

The New Zealand Breakers and Tasmania JackJumpers were forced to rush to the airport on Monday morning, as the incoming Cyclone Gabrielle threatened to derail their travel to Tasmania for game two of their NBL Playoffs Series.

With most of New Zealand’s North Island now under both heavy wind and rain warnings, both sides departed Auckland at 3am local time.The Breakers' media team shared a video of the team's travel out of New Zealand.

Auckland is now under a red rain and wind warning until Tuesday evening – the most serious grade that can be given.The cyclone is the latest in a number of challenges the Breakers have had to endure over the past three seasons, from extended COVID-enforced away trips, to a roster overhaul heading into NBL23.

The Breakers turned around their recent fortunes in NBL23. After back-to-back bottom two finishes new head coach Mody Maor has led the side to the semi-finals after finishing the regular season second on the ladder.

Maor says the natural disaster is another challenge his side is being forced to overcome.

"The team that rises to the occasion is the one that overcomes their circumstances - it's not the team that gets the smooth ride. God knows it's not been a smooth ride until now and it's not a smooth ride now either," he said following the win over Tasmania.

"Our guys had finally earned a day off in New Zealand and they're not going to get it now.

"We don't feel sorry for ourselves, we feel grateful for the opportunity to go and do the work."

Tasmania trails the Playoff Series 1-0 after suffering a 20-point loss on Sunday evening. The JackJumpers are hoping to make their second consecutive Championship Series appearance.

The Breakers play Tasmania on Thursday night at MyState Bank Arena.