Phoenix Ends Breakers’ Finals Hopes with Dominant Performance
The South East Melbourne Phoenix delivered a commanding performance against New Zealand, effectively ending the Breakers’ hopes of reaching the NBL finals. In front of a raucous Auckland crowd, the Phoenix showcased their skills, culminating in a decisive 114-83 victory. This win propelled them back to the top of the standings with a record of 21 wins and 9 losses.
Phoenix Dominates the Game
Both teams entered the halftime break with the score tied at 52. However, the Phoenix outperformed the Breakers in the second half, demonstrating a potent offense alongside solid defensive plays. Phoenix guard Nathan Sobey, despite a rocky start, finished with an impressive 21 points. Meanwhile, Malique Lewis contributed significantly with 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Player Performances
- Nathan Sobey: 21 points
- Malique Lewis: 13 points, 10 rebounds, five assists
- John Brown III: 7 points, 7 rebounds
- Izaiah Brockington (Breakers): 19 points
- Parker Jackson-Cartwright: 15 points, 7 rebounds
The Phoenix capitalized on their second-chance opportunities, securing 17 offensive rebounds throughout the match. Head coach Josh King described Brown as a defensive beast, underscoring his team’s commitment to high-intensity play. “For a guy like Malique, to see how hard you have to play…what he does is world class,” King stated.
Breakers Struggle with Injuries
The Breakers faced significant challenges due to the absence of key players, including projected NBA first-round pick Karim Lopez, who was sidelined with a lower leg injury. Coach Petteri Koponen expressed hope that Lopez could return soon, emphasizing the need for a cautious approach due to long-term health considerations.
Despite their challenges, the Breakers managed to stay competitive, with Izaiah Brockington and Parker Jackson-Cartwright stepping up in the scoring department. However, they struggled to control the boards, which ultimately led to their undoing.
Upcoming Matches
The South East Melbourne Phoenix will host the Sydney Kings in an important matchup on Sunday, followed by games against the JackJumpers and fourth-placed Melbourne. Meanwhile, the Breakers will focus on the upcoming Ignite Cup final, where they will face Adelaide for a chance to win a $300,000 prize.
The Phoenix’s robust performance not only secures their standings but also amplifies their momentum as they head towards the playoffs, while the Breakers search for solutions following a challenging season.
