Brisbane Bullets Triumph Over Travel-Weary New Zealand Breakers in NBL

The Brisbane Bullets secured a significant victory over the New Zealand Breakers with a final score of 84-73 in the National Basketball League (NBL) match on Thursday night. The game, held in Brisbane, marked the second consecutive win for the Bullets, who capitalized on the Breakers’ fatigue from a strenuous overseas tour.

The New Zealand Breakers, returning to the NBL after missing two rounds due to a tour in the United States, initially appeared strong. They had opened their season with impressive wins against the Brisbane Bullets and the South East Melbourne Phoenix. During their U.S. tour, they faced renowned NBA teams such as the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Brisbane Bullets demonstrated control early on, establishing a double-figure lead at the start of the second half. Despite their best efforts, the Breakers could not close the gap, although Parker Jackson-Cartwright’s performance was noteworthy. Jackson-Cartwright bolstered his potential MVP candidacy with 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, keeping the Breakers competitive throughout the game.

Josh Bannan made a crucial early three-pointer in the fourth quarter to help the Bullets maintain momentum. Despite difficulties earlier in the game, missing 10 of his first 12 shots, Bannan finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. The Breakers momentarily took the lead, propelled by Mojave King‘s swift nine-point contribution and a critical three-pointer by Matt Mooney.

The Bullets, however, responded decisively, clinching their win with a surge, including eight consecutive points led by standout player James Batemon. Batemon excelled off the bench, scoring 21 points with remarkable three-point precision, hitting five out of eight attempts. Casey Prather and Tyrell Harrison also provided substantial support, each contributing 13 points, with Prather adding five rebounds and Harrison seven.

Despite their loss, the Breakers’ resilience was evident as they dominated the offensive rebounds with 16, translating to 17 second-chance points. Sam Mennenga contributed significantly with 15 points and five rebounds, exemplifying their fighting spirit.

As the Breakers prepare to host the Perth Wildcats on Saturday, they remain determined to regroup and capitalize on their home advantage. Brisbane’s victory, meanwhile, solidifies their position as a formidable contender in the ongoing NBL season.