NZ Breakers Fight for Playoff Spot in NBL Showdown

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The NZ Breakers, once atop the Australian National Basketball League (NBL), are now clinging to a slim mathematical chance of making the playoffs. After a strong start to the season, the Auckland-based team has plummeted to near the bottom of the standings, sitting just above the Cairns Taipans. Their first step toward an improbable playoff berth begins Friday night against the Brisbane Bullets at Christchurch‘s Wolfbrook Arena.

“That’s where we’re at,” said Breakers co-captain Mitch McCarron. “We just have to face the reality — it’s about winning games one by one and doing everything we can to put ourselves in that position.”

The Breakers, who started the season with a 7-3 record, have struggled since a two-week international break. The departure of American center Freddie Gillespie and the arrival of NBA folk hero Tacko Fall disrupted the team’s chemistry. Injuries and a five-game suspension for star guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright further compounded their woes, leading to an eight-game losing streak.

Despite the challenges, McCarron remains focused on the task at hand. “The mindset for us is just to win every game we possibly can and not think about the other results from other teams,” he said. “If we don’t take care of our own business, it’s irrelevant what everyone else does.”

To secure a playoff spot, the Breakers must win all four of their remaining games, including matchups against Brisbane, Adelaide, Cairns, and Illawarra. Additionally, they need other teams, such as the Tasmania JackJumpers and Adelaide 36ers, to falter in their final games. The Breakers’ final game against the table-topping Illawarra Hawks looms as their toughest challenge, though the Hawks may rest their stars if their playoff position is secure.

McCarron, who recently played his 250th NBL game, isn’t ready to reflect on the season’s struggles just yet. “Usually, we’d sit down at the end of the year and reflect, and have some exit interviews to talk about the nitty gritty of what went wrong or what went right,” he said. “I think we had a great start to the year and then didn’t make adjustments as players on the court.”

The Breakers’ playoff hopes hinge on their ability to recapture their early-season form. With a largely new roster and coaching staff, the team surprised many with their strong start but has since struggled to maintain consistency. “We definitely didn’t perform at the same level as before the break,” McCarron admitted. “That’s something we need to reflect on at the right time and have a look at why.”

Friday’s game against Brisbane is a must-win for both teams. The Bullets, with a 7-8 record, are also fighting to secure a playoff spot. A healthier Brisbane squad could prove decisive as they look to keep their finals aspirations alive.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN via Foxtel, with streaming available on Kayo Sports. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. local time at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch.