Fast Break Report

Stat Line

What Went Right?

• As it happened, the Breakers were already out of the running for the playoffs after results since their last game just didn’t go their way. So this game was a glorified exhibition for the fans, and an occasion to send off the legendary CJ Bruton.
• So how did the farewell go? The game started fine, only to turn into a bust in the second half, as the Breakers clearly lacked the commitment without the dangling carrot of the postseason on the line, and settled for contested shots and long jumpers. Hence the result. But as a farewell for CJ, sure he deserved a win – although he’s had 120 of them as a Breaker – but this was a fitting farewell nonetheless. His speech was moving, and above all when he looks back on his final game with this team, he won’t remember the uninspiring loss, he’ll remember the thousands of fans that packed out Vector Arena for him, cheering his every move and applauding his enormous contribution to the Breakers and to basketball in New Zealand. A true legend.
• It’s not entirely clear what Bruton’s next move will be. He hasn’t retired yet, so likely he’ll be open to offers from other ANBL teams? Maybe. His time as a Breaker cannot be understated though. As soon as he decides to hang up that headband forever, his jersey will be hanging from the rafters at NSEC.
• The Breakers led this game for long stretches, in fact they had a 13 point lead midway through the second. Only somehow that swung into a 12 point loss. Ultimately, with nothing on the line, they just didn’t have the heart to fight back.
• Being able to keep close in the rebounding stakes was a bonus. That’s a definite area of focus for next season, hopefully one remedied by the return of Alex Pledger. The passing too was better, particularly from Kerron Johnson, who had a decent finish to an underwhelming season personally. He had 5 assists, as did the always impressive Mika Vukona.

What Can Be Improved?

• That whole ‘terrible shot selection’ thing was a bit of a drag.
• Only grabbing 3 steals was a little costly. That really came down to the fact that with both teams just playing for pride (as they say), the hustle wasn’t quite there. There were only 13 combined turnovers in this game. Normally each team would be looking at a number like that.
• There were many little things that could be nitpicked too, but its just not worth it given the circumstances of the game. Bring on next season!
• And looking forward to next season, there’s plenty will need tweaking. It starts with player recruitment, but that’s a kettle of fish for another hungry day.

Play of the Game

CJ Bruton’s final made basket as a NZ Breaker [wipes tear from eye…]:

"What I prayed for in the beginning was to play in an arena like this and bring a championship to New Zealand, and now I just pray that you fans keep believing in this club. I know that we didn't finish the season the way I wanted, the way you wanted, or the way the organisation wanted, but I know basketball in New Zealand is only going to get better and better.''

Match MVP Points

Mika Vukona 3

Gary Wilkinson 2

Tom Abercrombie 1

Corey Webster 1

Season MVP Standings

Mika Vukona 38

Gary Wilkinson 37

Tom Abercrombie 37

Kerron Johnson 30

Up Next

Well, you’re gonna have to wait till next season. But stay tuned to The Niche Cache for our season review later this week!