The New Zealand Breakers’ playoff hopes ended after a tough 94-78 defeat against the Adelaide 36ers.
With this loss, the Auckland team suffered their 18th defeat in 27 games and are now unable to qualify for the NBL playoffs, with only two games left in their season. Missing co-captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright due to injury, the Breakers struggled to keep up, falling behind by 22 points at halftime.
Adelaide’s offence, powered by Montrezl Harrell’s 26 points and Kendric Davis’ round up of 23 points and 13 assists, proved unstoppable. Although the Breakers put together a strong 12-0 scoring run late in the game, it wasn’t enough to close the gap. Mojave King led the Breakers’ effort with 20 points, including five three-pointers, while Jonah Bolden recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen admitted the team started poorly. “We came out flat. The energy wasn’t where it needed to be,” he said. He praised the second-half performance but noted that early struggles had already cost them.
The Breakers now face two home games to finish their season, starting with the Cairns Taipans this Saturday.
