The New Zealand Breakers, despite being exceptionally careless with the ball all night, have managed to defeat the Sydney Kings comfortably in a 74-62 win at the North Shore Events Centre.
It was a listless performance from both the reigning champions and the struggling Kings, who compiled a whopping 45 turnovers combined in four quarters of pure grind and grit.
The Kings were particularly scratchy, shooting just 30 per cent from the floor, and 12 per cent from down town. Marcus Thornton top scored for the Kings, with 18 points and two rebounds.
Julian Khazzouh had a strong first half himself, grabbing 12 points and four rebounds but was well held by the Breakers big men in the second half and finished the game with just 13 points, but did manage to pick up eight rebounds.
The main thing to take out of the game, and look to improve on from the Kings perspective is their stagnant offence.
Sydney tallied just eight assists for the contest, suggesting the offensive schemes are too isolation heavy. Head Coach Damian Cotter has some work to do, as the Kings simply have to work too hard for their points.
They were also soundly beaten on the glass, where they were out rebounded 48 to 24, an incredible thrashing in one of the most important indicators of effort.
For the Breakers it wasn’t pretty, but they got the win and that is all that counts. Despite 27 turnovers and a dismal performance from behind the arc shooting only 15 per cent, they secured their second victory of the young 2015-2016 season, one that was much needed.
The returning Corey Webster returned and was mainly inefficient, but started on fire and finished with 22 vital points for the home side. Cedric Jackson was also prolific with ball in hand but was careless at times making six turnovers.
Final score:
New Zealand Breakers 74
Sydney Kings 62
Corey Webster returns for the New Zealand Breakers as they look to get their season on track against the Sydney Kings at North Shore Events Centre tonight. Join The Roar at 5.30 pm (AEDT) for live scores and updates.
The Breakers have been listless thus far in this young 2015-16 NBL season, slumping to a 1-3 record after Round 2.
Although Dean Vickerman’s men fell desperately short of victory against the Perth Wildcats (80-83), they have suffered blow out defeats to both the Illawarra Hawks and Adelaide 36ers.
As has been the case for much of the season, the Breakers inability to take care of the rock has crippled their defensive rotations.
One need not look further than the 25 turnovers New Zealand accumulated against the Hawks, and the points Illawarra generated from those mistakes (22) to know that it is a major issue.
The Sydney Kings won their first game of the year but have struggled since, especially on the offensive side of the game.
Julian Khazzouh has been exceptional for the Kings; he posted 21 points and 10 rebounds in the Kings’ loss to the Illawarra Hawks (86-100).
Marcus Thornton, an American import, has been sluggish early for Sydney. He is shooting just 29 per cent from the floor and is providing little in the way of play making (just 1.3 assists per game). Thankfully for Thornton and the Kings, the season is still young.
Prediction:
This is not an easy one to read. The Breakers have the home court advantage, but they have not been playing well.
Perhaps the return of Webster will spark them into action, however it seems likely that the game could come down to the match up of Khazzouh versus Charles Jackson.
Jackson may have the slight edge; his length and athleticism could be too much for Khazzouh to overcome down low.
Breakers by 2 points.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
WRAP UP: Although the clock hasn't officially run its course tonight, the game is done and dusted. The Breakers, despite being exceptionally careless with the ball all night, have defeated the Kings comfortably: 74-62 at the North Shore Events Centre. It was a listless performance from both the reigning champions and the struggling Kings, who compiled a whopping 45 turnovers combined in four quarters of pure grind and grit. The Kings were particularly scratchy, shooting just 30% from the floor, and 12% from downtown. Marcus Thornton top scored for the Kings, with 18 points and two rebounds. Julian Khazzouh had a strong first half (12 points, four rebounds) but was well held by the Breakers big men in the second half and finished the game with just 13 points (but pulled down eight rebounds). The main thing to take out of the game from the Kings perspective is their stagnant offense. Sydney tallied just eight assists for the contest, suggesting the offensive schemes are too isolation heavy. Head Coach Damian Cotter has some work to do, as the Kings simply have to work too hard for their points. They were also soundly beaten on the glass, where they were out rebounded 48 to 24, an incredible thrashing in one of the most important indicators of effort. For the Breakers it wasn't pretty, but they got the W. Despite 27 turnovers and a dismal performance from behind the arc (15%), they secured their second victory of the young '15-'16 season. Corey Webster returned and was mainly inefficient, but started on fire and finished with 22 vital points for the home side. Cedric Jackson was prolific with ball in hand but was careless at times (6 turnovers). Make sure to check out Melbourne United vs Townsville Crocs on The Roar and thanks for checking in tonight, until next time!
Scott Pryde
Expert
As has been the case throughout many games this year, plenty to work on for both sides. Sloppy, but a win is a win as far as the Breakers are concerned, especially considering their ladder position coming into the game. The Kings, well they are in some real trouble at the moment and it doesn't get much easier with a clash against the 36ers in 48 hours. Thanks Justin!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Another turn over and offensive rebound. Forget it, that'll do. Kings have a lot of work to do.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
The Kings need a stop here coming out of the timeout, but realistically, the game is over.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Breakers have been insipid with the ball. Far too many turnovers.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
That play seems to sum up Marcus Thornton in his current form. Moments of brilliance and promise interspersed with periods of pure boneheadedness. He strips Jackson and runs the length of the floor. He decides to hold off on attacking the rim, only to slash moments later against three defenders. He turns it over. Game over. Jackson gets on the end of the pass down the other end and finishes the dinky layup. Breakers: 65 Kings: 58 2.50 minutes left.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Have a look at that rebound count! 40-22. How the Kings are still in this game I have no idea.
Scott Pryde
Expert
If the Kings wanted to win this game you wouldn't know it.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Khazzouh at the line, splits the pair. Breakers: 63 Kings: 58 3.50 minutes left.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Huge finish coming up here.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Carter splits his free throws at the line. The Kings have mustered just 30% from the field, yet find themselves just four down. It defies logic. Breakers: 59 Kings: 55
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Cedric Jackson with the glorious airball! Somehow, the Kings are still in it. Timeout on the floor. Breakers: 59 Kings: 52
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Some questionable calls by the referees tonight. Thornton makes the two technical free throws, and Webster turns it over... again. That is the Breakers 26th turnover for the game. Breakers: 59 Kings: 52
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Webster going into beast mode? He knocks down another mid range J. Breakers: 59 Kings: 50
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Timely basket from Abercrombie! He calmly nails the three, the Breakers get a little bit of breathing space. Breakers: 57 Kings: 50
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Bad news for the Breakers here. I am not sure what Charles Jackson did to the refs before the game, but they have had it out for him since tip off. He has to sit after picking up his fourth foul. Then Vukona is called for his fourth personal after fouling Garlepp who completes the three point play. Breakers: 54 Kings: 48
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Webster connects on the mid range jumper fading back. Tough shot but he drains it. Khazzouh did a nice job of contesting. Breakers: 53 Kings: 46
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Play for the final quarter is about to get underway.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yep, Been an absolute shocker. Hopefully they turn it up in the last and we get a good finish.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
This has been one of the most forgettable games I have ever witnessed. Both sides have been poor with the ball, and as a result there have been 30 turnovers in under three quarters. The Breakers have shot just 15% from three whilst the Kings have been equally poor (17%). The game is just grinding to a halt. Painful to see.