Maor: "We Are Just Going to Keep Getting Better"

The Sky Sport Breakers have gone from being the second-worst defensive team in the NBL last season to the best in the league.

Following two wins on the road, they now return home to The Trusts Arena in Waitakere on Thursday to face the South East Melbourne Phoenix again.

If last night’s jaw-dropping 26-point win over the Hawks in Wollongong was impressive after just four games in the new season, then Breakers’ fans could be in for an exciting season.

“This is a team with many players who are stars in their roles,” said Breakers Coach Mody Maor.

“I truly don’t believe this team has even scratched the surface of what every player can contribute, and I think we are just going to keep getting better.”

“We have a phenomenal group of players who really care about winning and are willing to put their hearts on the line and compete in every moment of the game.  And this is the foundation of everything we are doing.”

Will McDowell-White shook off sickness to lead the New Zealanders brilliantly, with 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a block in yet another impressive night.

Maor could not be more enthused.

“This dude has been sick for a week, went into the locker room at halftime, threw up, came back out I said, ‘Will are you good to go?’ he says ‘yeah,’” said Maor.

“I was very close to texting the physio and saying I’m not playing,” said McDowell-White.

“But you just don’t want to let these guys down.  We got some good people here, and I just want to play hard for them.”

It’s a tight turnaround for Thursday night’s game at The Trust Arena in Waitakere.

The team does not arrive back in Auckland until later today and will have less than 48 hours to prepare.

However, there are no complaints.  

After all, just being able to play at home is a luxury the team has not had in the last two seasons.

Only four games into a 28-game regular season, one thing is abundantly clear: 

This year feels different.