Fast Break Report

Stat Line

This result sure didn’t, but others did, and believe it or not, the NZ Breakers actually still have a small chance of making the playoffs. Although this time when we say they have to win all of their remaining games (there are 2 left), we mean it, unlike the last 3 times they’ve lost a supposed ‘season ender’.
Most of this game was quite good, actually. Very few turnovers, and decent shooting figures in the end. It’s just that when the step up was needed late on, nobody was willing to make it happen.
Corey Webster has been great recently. It’s a shame he hasn’t had the support from his teammates that he should have had. Still, he’s the only guy who consistently offers any incision with his ability to drive to the basket. The passing needs work, though, if he’s to stay at PG. Webster had 17 points, a team high.
Likewise youngster Reuben Te Rangi showed the hustle that he’s becoming known for in reeling in 5 boards to go with his 10 points and 3 assists. The shooting action’s a little raw, but impressive strides have been made this season. Should Tom Abercrombie choose to pursue his career in Europe, there’s a decent replacement already there.
The final two games are both at home. Results still need to go the Breakers way to extend their season, but at least there’s something to play for. Don’t forget the retiring CJ Bruton as well. He deserves a good send off.
Plus the Fast Break Report Season MVP standings are absolutely neck and neck (and neck)!

Missing the first 9 shots to start a game could definitely be improved. NZB dug out a big hole for themselves with a slow, nervy start. They did escape it, only to fall down another one in the fourth.
Yeah, that fourth quarter. It’s been said before how the Breakers have struggled to close out games (0-5 for the year in games decided by 3 or fewer points). Melbourne finished on an incredible 44-17 point run.
The Breakers had a 14 point lead in the third! You simply gotta close those ones out, and if you don’t you can only have yourself to blame.
Having said that, credit still has to go to the likes of Melbourne’s Scott Morrison, Nate Tomlinson and the always dangerous Chris Goulding. In fact NZB got off lightly here, Goulding went on to drop 50 on the Sydney Kings on the weekend. Yes, you did read that correctly. 50 points. It’s the ANBL record since the league moved to 10 minute quarters.
As per usual, the Breakers were significantly out-rebounded. Alex Pledger won’t be back this season, and his absence has been crucial in that regard. This team just doesn’t have the size to compete in that position.
Add to that some more abysmal 3 point shooting. A real strength of this team over the past few seaons has in the last few games become its biggest crutch. Abercrombie was 0-5, as was CJ Bruton.