BNZ Breakers Turn Focus To Cairns Matchup

The BNZ Breakers are back in New Zealand preparing to complete their long run of away games against the Cairns Taipans this Saturday.

“We have been on the road for 12 days in Sydney, Gold Coast and Perth, and now it's time to head north, and charm some snakes.” says Head Coach Petteri Koponen.

“The Taipans will be fighting hard to find wins of their own, but we will be bringing the anti-venom to nullify the threat.” Said Koponen.

The long trip to Cairns starts early this Friday with a 4:50am airport arrival to catch the first of two flights to reach Far North Queensland.

This follows a brutal fight against the Perth Wildcats in a contest that featured 21 lead changes. Although they ultimately fell 88-75, the BNZ Breakers showed immense heart and offensive firepower. Parker Jackson-Cartwright delivered his signature all-action performance with 22 points, 9 assists, and 3 steals.

“Parker led from the front when we took on the Wildcats. For all but the first and last five minutes of the game, we brought the defensive intensity needed to take on the best in the league. We need to apply that defensive pressure for the full 40 minutes and be more efficient in our scoring from Parker’s creativity,” added Koponen.

A major positive for the club was the outstanding return of Kiwi veteran Rob Loe. Back on court after a three-game absence, Loe provided an immediate boost, scoring 10 points and celebrating a significant career milestone by scoring his 1,000th point for the Club. Loe shot 3 of 4 against the Cats and became the 18th BNZ Breaker to achieve that scoring milestone.

“We were excited to see Rob really show his strength on Saturday and to knock down some crucial shots. He brings a rock-solid presence on the court, and we need his physicality,” said Koponen.

The Breakers and Taipans have faced each other in the 2011 and 2015 NBL Grand Final series. The BNZ Breakers won their first-ever NBL championship by defeating the Taipans in 2011. And the BNZ Breakers again defeated them in 2015 for the club’s fourth and most recent NBL title.

“These are two teams with plenty of history. And we want to show the Taipans what being ‘Back in Black', really means.” said President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher.

“Cairns can be a tough place to play, and they will be waiting for us. This is our opportunity to fix the rebounding and put a full 40 minutes together.” Boucher concluded.

Following the game, the NBL will break for the FIBA sanctioned international window which will see five BNZ Breakers on Tall Blacks duty.

The BNZ Breakers are back in New Zealand play on Saturday 22 November (7:30pm tip NZT) which can be viewed on ESPN via Sky Sports (Ch60) and Disney+.

They return to New Zealand to host the Sydney Kings in Hamilton with the Ignite Cup on the line on 3 December. The BNZ Breakers sit atop the Ignite Cup ladder.

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