Fast Break Report

Stat Line

Points   J.Ennis 31 (PER), J.Beal 30 (PER), G.Wilkinson 19 (NZB)

Rebounds   M.Knight 9 (PER), D.Martin 9 (PER), G.Wilkinson 8 (NZB)

Assists  K.Johnson 5 (NZB), S.Redhage 5 (PER), D.Martin 3 (PER)

Steals    D.Martin 3 (PER), K.Johnson 2 (NZB), T.Abercrombie 2 (NZB)

Blocks   A.Pledger 3 (NZB), M.Knight 2 (PER), several with 1

How It Unfolded

Perth away. The toughest fixture in any season. And it started terribly, with the Wildcats running out to an early lead. They controlled the ball well, and flayed some timid Breakers defence with a clinic in shooting. Early on in the second Perth had themselves an 18 point lead. But if you thought the three time champs would lie down you thought wrong. The Breakers managed to claw themselves back into the game, playing some very high quality basketball. A couple of dunks and some clever passes were more than highlight worthy. Perth rebounded better than NZB, as expected, and they were clever with the ball in hand, but what really kept them ahead was their three point shooting. Jermaine Beal especially was beyond incredible, hitting 8 of 15 attempts (tying a franchise record for 3pters made in a game). He finished with 30 points.

It was a common streak, the Breakers draw close enough to strike, and Perth hit a crucial three to keep them at bay. But Gary Wilkinson (19pts 8reb) and Mika Vukona (17pts 6reb) brought an uneasy physicality, while Kerron Johnson started to turn it on in the second half, attacking the rim with real purpose. Perth had been on a record streak of free throws made, yet they only hit 21 of 31 in this game (NZB – 20/26). On a couple of occasions, silly fouls cost the Breakers, although in the end they seemed to time their rally perfectly. Having stuck within range all game, they hit some clutch buckets to get within 1. Daryl Corletto (14pts) hit a couple late trebles to get NZB in range to strike. Then, with time ticking low, and the Breakers seemingly defending Perth’s final full possession perfectly – danger man James Ennis had the ball, but was market, off balance and about a mile from the hoop – somehow, as the shot clock ticked down under 3, Ennis launched a deep hail mary, which fell in to the sound of muffled gasps as Breakers fans woke up in presciently cold sweats (it was about 1.30am NZT by then). That pushed the lead to 4, and a quick layup from Wilkinson wasn’t enough to salvage a hope as Ennis sunk two clutch free throws (He finished with 31pts 5reb). About 30 seconds later, for the interests of depressed kiwi sports fans, the Perth Glory scored the winner against the Wellington Phoenix. Perth has won 20 of their past 21 at home, and improves to 11-1. The Breakers sink to 4-7.

Stocks Up

Gary Wilkinson. He won’t always get the chances to dominate a game like he did here, not with such versatile weapons as Abercrombie, Johnson, Vukona, Pledger and company, but it’s nice to know that he can. The Big Fella was really impressive in the way he hassled and competed (as he always does, really) despite playing from behind basically all game. The stats are one thing; arguably more important is the inspiration and leadership that he brings. When Wilkinson is sprinting down the court with a few minutes to go, having made a tough rebound, and immediately getting stuck in under the basket, you’d better be giving your all yourself.

Stocks Down

Tom Abercrombie. He was hardly gonna keep up the pace he’d been setting the past few weeks. Still, this was a rough outing, as TA seems to have more often than not away from home. This season, he’s averaging 16.8pts & 4reb per game at home, and just 11.6 & 2.8 away. The way this season is going, should the Breakers make the playoffs, homefield advantage will not be something they can rely on.

Play of the Game

Man, it was all James Ennis. This guy is so far beyond his depth in this league. Check out his flashy dunk early on, and then, if you can stomach it, his game sealer:

Match MVP Points

Gary Wilkinson 3

Mika Vukona 2

Kerron Johnson 1

Daryl Corletto 1 

Season MVP Standings

Mika Vukona 18

Kerron Johnson 13

Alex Pledger 10

Tom Abercrombie 9

Up Next

Sunday, 4pm: Melbourne Tigers vs NZ Breakers, State Netball and Hockey Centre (NZT)