New Zealand Breakers

New Zealand Breakers
2024–25 New Zealand Breakers season
New Zealand Breakers logo
LeagueNBL
Founded2003; 21 years ago (2003)
HistoryNew Zealand Breakers
2003–present
ArenaSpark Arena
Capacity9,740
LocationAuckland, New Zealand
Team coloursPink, blue, white, black
       
Main sponsorBank of New Zealand
CEOLisa Edser
General managerSimon Edwards
Head coachPetteri Koponen
Team captainParker Jackson-Cartwright
Mitch McCarron
OwnershipBreakers Basketball Ltd
Championships4 (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015)
Retired numbers3 (23, 24, 32)
WebsiteNZ Breakers

The New Zealand Breakers (also known as the BNZ Breakers for sponsorship reasons) are a New Zealand professional basketball team based in Auckland. The Breakers are the only non-Australian side currently competing in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), and one of only two non-Australian sides to have done so (the other being the now-absent Singapore Slingers). They play their home games at multiple venues, mainly Spark Arena in Auckland. In 2011, the Breakers won their first NBL championship and successfully defended it in 2012 and 2013, claiming the second three-peat in NBL history. They won their fourth title in 2015.

The Breakers were owned by Liz and Paul Blackwell from 2005 to 2018 when a consortium headed by former NBA player Matt Walsh became the majority shareholders via a newly formed company called Breakers Basketball Ltd.[1]

History

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

In March 2003, a New Zealand basketball team was confirmed to be entering the Australian National Basketball League in the 2003–04 season.[2] Three Waikato businessmen, Michael Redman, Dallas Fisher and Keith Ward, were persuaded to start the Breakers franchise.[3][4]

A driving force behind establishing the Breakers was inaugural coach Jeff Green.[5] Green stepped down as coach two months into the season and was replaced by assistant coach Frank Arsego.[6] The Breakers finished their first season in tenth place with a 12–21 record.

After finishing the 2004–05 season in last place, the Breakers replaced Arsego with Andrej Lemanis for the 2005–06 season.[7] In 2005, Liz and Paul Blackwell took over ownership of the Breakers.[8][9]

With the addition of Kirk Penney for the 2007–08 season, the Breakers made their first playoff appearance.[10] The Breakers returned to the playoffs in 2008–09 behind Penney and C. J. Bruton.[11] Penney was sidelined for nine games with a back injury in 2009–10,[12] with a mid-season slump leading to the Breakers missing the playoffs.[13]

Championship era (2010–2016)

[edit]
Breakers' Gary Wilkinson makes a pass against Wildcats' Cameron Tovey

The 2010–11 season saw the Breakers earn their first minor premiership with a first-place finish and a 22–6 record.[14] They went on to reach their inaugural NBL grand final with a 2–1 semi-final victory over the Perth Wildcats.[15] In the grand final series, the Breakers defeated the Cairns Taipans 2–1 to win their maiden NBL championship. They became the first New Zealand side to win a major Australian championship.[16] The team was led by Penney, Bruton, Mika Vukona, Gary Wilkinson, Paul Henare and grand final MVP Thomas Abercrombie.[16][17]

The 2011–12 season saw the Breakers claim the minor premiership with a 21–7 record and reach the NBL grand final series, where they defeated the Perth Wildcats 2–1 to win their second championship. The team was led by Wilkinson, Abercrombie, Vukona, Daryl Corletto, Cedric Jackson and grand final MVP C. J. Bruton.[18]

The 2012 off-season saw the departure of Gary Wilkinson and the elevation of Alex Pledger to the starting line-up,[19] while guard Corey Webster returned to the squad after a 12-month suspension for the use of banned substances.[20] The 2012–13 season saw the Breakers win the minor premiership behind a 15-game winning streak.[21][22] They went on to reach the NBL grand final series, where they defeated the Wildcats 2–0 to win their third straight championship behind grand final MVP Cedric Jackson. The Breakers became just the second team to win a three-peat of championships after the Sydney Kings in 2003, 2004 and 2005.[23][24][25]

The 2013 off-season saw the departure of long-time coach Andrej Lemanis.[26]

Breakers playing against the Perth Wildcats in 2014

After missing the playoffs in 2013–14,[27] the Breakers brought back Cedric Jackson for the 2014–15 season.[28] They finished the regular season in second place with a 19–9 record and defeated the Adelaide 36ers 2–0 in the semi-finals to return to the NBL grand final.[29][30][31] In the grand final series, the Breakers defeated the Cairns Taipans 86–71 in game one[32] and 83–81 in game two. Ekene Ibekwe hit the game-winning buzzer beater in game two to lift the Breakers to their fourth championship in five seasons. Jackson was named grand final MVP for the second time.[33][34]

The Breakers returned to the NBL grand final series for the fifth time in six years in 2015–16, where they lost 2–1 to the Perth Wildcats.[35][36] Following the 2015–16 season, chief executive Richard Clarke and coach Dean Vickerman parted ways with the organisation, with Paul Henare becoming head coach and Dillon Boucher becoming general manager.[37]

Post championship era and new ownership (2016–2020)

[edit]

After missing the playoffs in 2016–17,[38][39][40][41] the Breakers had a 9–1 record early in the 2017–18 season, setting their best start in franchise history.[42][43][44] They went on to finish the regular season in fourth place with a 15–13 record[45] and lost to Melbourne United in the semi-finals.[46] Kirk Penney retired following the season.[47]

In 2018, a consortium headed by former NBA player Matt Walsh became the majority shareholders via a newly formed company called Breakers Basketball Ltd.[1][48][49] Under head coach Kevin Braswell, the Breakers missed the playoffs in 2018–19 with a sixth-place finish and a 12–16 record.[50]

The 2019–20 season saw the appointment of new coach Dan Shamir[51] and the acquisition of R. J. Hampton as part of the NBL Next Stars program.[52] The Breakers subsequently had record home crowds and engagement.[53][54] Despite winning 11 of their last 14 games to finish the season, the team missed the playoffs on points differential.[55][56][57]

COVID-affected years (2020–2022)

[edit]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 season start date was delayed until January 2021. As a result of the pandemic, the Breakers were forced to commit to being based in Australia for the majority of the season.[58][59][60] They hosted a number of games as the 'home' team in Tasmania and only returned to play their last seven games in New Zealand in late May.[61] A number of players missed large portions of the season due to injury and personal issues, including Robert Loe (20 games), Thomas Abercrombie (9), Corey Webster (8) and Tai Webster (7). The team also had a mid-season import change, with Lamar Patterson being replaced by Levi Randolph. They finished the season in eighth place with a 12–24 record.[61]

As a result of the pandemic, the Breakers played their entire 2021–22 season in Australia, basing themselves in Tasmania.[62][63] The team faced a COVID outbreak on the eve of the season, which they had to play through en route to a 0–6 start.[63][64] With a 5–23 record, the Breakers had their worst season in their 19-year history.[65][66]

Return to the grand final (2022–2023)

[edit]

With the departure of Dan Shamir, assistant coach Mody Maor was elevated to head coach for the 2022–23 season and helped the Breakers become championship contenders.[67] The Breakers finished the regular season in second place with an 18–10 record, as they clinched their first playoff appearance in five years.[68][69] They went on to reach their first grand final series since 2016.[70][71][72][73] In game one against the Sydney Kings, the Breakers won 95–87.[74][75] After losing games two and three,[76][77] the Breakers tied the series with an 80–70 win at home in game four in front of their biggest ever crowd of 9,742.[78][79] They went on to lose the deciding game five 77–69, as the Kings claimed the championship.[80][81]

2023–present

[edit]

The Breakers started the 2023–24 season with a 3–7 record.[82][83] They went on to finish sixth with a 13–15 record[84] and lost in the play-in game.[85]

Thomas Abercrombie retired following the 2023–24 season, ending his NBL career with 429 games and finishing as the Breakers' most-capped player.[86] Head coach Mody Maor parted ways with the Breakers during the off-season to pursue a coaching opportunity in Asia.[87][88]

The Breakers started the 2024–25 season with a 6–2 record following a 34-point win over Melbourne United on the road.[89] The Breakers entered the FIBA break in second place with a 7–3 record and subsequently signed 7'6" Senegalese import, Tacko Fall.[90] Following the FIBA break, the Breakers suffered six straight losses[91][92][93] by an average of 22 points per game.[94]

Season by season

[edit]
NBL champions League champions Runners-up Finals berth
Season Tier League Regular season Post-season Head coach Captain Club MVP
Finish Played Wins Losses Win %
New Zealand Breakers
2003–04 1 NBL 10th 33 12 21 .364 Did not qualify Jeff Green
Frank Arsego 		Pero Cameron Mike Chappell
2004–05 1 NBL 11th 32 9 23 .281 Did not qualify Frank Arsego Pero Cameron
Paul Henare 		Aaron Olson
2005–06 1 NBL 9th 32 9 23 .281 Did not qualify Andrej Lemanis Paul Henare Ben Pepper
2006–07 1 NBL 10th 33 11 22 .333 Did not qualify Andrej Lemanis Paul Henare Carlos Powell
2007–08 1 NBL 7th 30 16 14 .533 Won elimination final (Cairns) 100–78
Lost quarterfinal (Brisbane) 89–106 		Andrej Lemanis Paul Henare Kirk Penney
2008–09 1 NBL 3rd 30 18 12 .600 Won elimination final (Adelaide) 131–101
Lost semifinals (Melbourne) 0–2 		Andrej Lemanis Paul Henare Kirk Penney
2009–10 1 NBL 5th 28 15 13 .536 Did not qualify Andrej Lemanis Paul Henare Kirk Penney
2010–11 1 NBL 1st 28 22 6 .786 Won semifinals (Perth) 2–1
Won NBL finals (Cairns) 2–1 		Andrej Lemanis Mika Vukona Kirk Penney
2011–12 1 NBL 1st 28 21 7 .750 Won semifinals (Townsville) 2–1
Won NBL finals (Perth) 2–1 		Andrej Lemanis Mika Vukona Cedric Jackson
2012–13 1 NBL 1st 28 24 4 .923 Won semifinals (Sydney) 2–0
Won NBL finals (Perth) 2–0 		Andrej Lemanis Mika Vukona Cedric Jackson
2013–14 1 NBL 7th 28 11 17 .393 Did not qualify Dean Vickerman Mika Vukona Thomas Abercrombie
2014–15 1 NBL 2nd 28 19 9 .679 Won semifinals (Adelaide) 2–0
Won NBL finals (Cairns) 2–0 		Dean Vickerman Mika Vukona Cedric Jackson
2015–16 1 NBL 4th 28 16 12 .571 Won semifinals (Melbourne) 2–0
Lost NBL finals (Perth) 1–2 		Dean Vickerman Mika Vukona Corey Webster
2016–17 1 NBL 5th 28 14 14 .500 Did not qualify Paul Henare Mika Vukona Kirk Penney
2017–18 1 NBL 4th 28 15 13 .536 Lost semifinals (Melbourne) 0–2 Paul Henare Mika Vukona Édgar Sosa
2018–19 1 NBL 6th 28 12 16 .429 Did not qualify Kevin Braswell Thomas Abercrombie Shawn Long
2019–20 1 NBL 6th 28 15 13 .536 Did not qualify Dan Shamir Thomas Abercrombie Thomas Abercrombie
2020–21 1 NBL 8th 36 12 24 .333 Did not qualify Dan Shamir Thomas Abercrombie Finn Delany
2021–22 1 NBL 10th 28 5 23 .179 Did not qualify Dan Shamir Thomas Abercrombie Yanni Wetzell
2022–23 1 NBL 2nd 28 18 10 .643 Won semifinals (Tasmania) 2–1
Lost NBL finals (Sydney) 2–3 		Mody Maor Thomas Abercrombie Jarrell Brantley
2023–24 1 NBL 6th 28 13 15 .464 Won play-in qualifier (Sydney) 83–76
Lost play-in game (Illawarra) 85–88 		Mody Maor Thomas Abercrombie Parker Jackson-Cartwright
Regular season record 618 307 311 .497 3 regular season champions
Finals record 42 26 16 .619 4 NBL championships

As of the end of the 2023–24 season

Source: New Zealand Breakers Year by Year

Honour roll

[edit]
NBL Championships: 4 (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015)
Regular Season Champions: 3 (2011, 2012, 2013)
NBL Finals Appearances: 10 (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2023, 2024)
NBL Grand Final appearances: 6 (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023)
NBL Most Valuable Player: Kirk Penney (2009), Cedric Jackson (2013)
NBL Grand Final MVPs: Thomas Abercrombie (2011), C. J. Bruton (2012), Cedric Jackson (2013, 2015)
All-NBL First Team: Carlos Powell (2007), Kirk Penney (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), C. J. Bruton (2009), Gary Wilkinson (2011), Cedric Jackson (2012, 2013, 2015), Thomas Abercrombie (2012), Anthony Lamb (2024), Parker Jackson-Cartwright (2024)
All-NBL Second Team: C. J. Bruton (2010), Gary Wilkinson (2012), Mika Vukona (2013, 2014), Ekene Ibekwe (2015), Corey Webster (2016), Édgar Sosa (2018), Shawn Long (2019), Scotty Hopson (2020), Finn Delany (2021), Barry Brown Jr. (2023), Dererk Pardon (2023)
All-NBL Third Team: Mike Chappell (2004), Thomas Abercrombie (2013)
Leading NBL scorer: Carlos Powell (2007), Kirk Penney (2009, 2010, 2011)
NBL Best Sixth Man: Phill Jones (2009), Kevin Braswell (2011), Barry Brown Jr. (2023)
NBL Most Improved Player: Shea Ili (2018)
NBL Defensive Player of the Year: Dillon Boucher (2010)
NBL Coach of the Year: Andrej Lemanis (2012, 2013)
Retired numbers: #23 C. J. Bruton, #24 Dillon Boucher, #32 Paul Henare
Lifetime members of the club Andrej Lemanis, Jeff Green, Dillon Boucher, Paul Henare

Current roster

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

New Zealand Breakers roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht. Wt.
G 0 New Zealand McNaught, Alex (DP) 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) 90 kg (198 lb)
G/F 1 Mexico López, Karim (NS) 2.02 m (6 ft 8 in)
G/F 2 Australia Bairstow, Sean 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) 93 kg (205 lb)
F 3 New Zealand Mennenga, Sam 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 109 kg (240 lb)
G 5 New Zealand Isaac, Kaia (DP) 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
G 6 United States Jackson-Cartwright, Parker (I & C) 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) 74 kg (163 lb)
G 7 New Zealand King, Mojave 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 88 kg (194 lb)
G 8 Australia McCarron, Mitch (C) 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in) 97 kg (214 lb)
F 11 Australia Anticevich, Grant 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 104 kg (229 lb)
F 12 New Zealand Darling, Max 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 118 kg (260 lb)
G 13 United States Mooney, Matt (I) 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) 90 kg (198 lb)
F 21 New Zealand Davison, Carlin (DP) 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 95 kg (209 lb)
C 22 Australia Pineau, Dane Injured 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 103 kg (227 lb)
F 43 Australia Bolden, Jonah 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) 106 kg (234 lb)
F/C 62 New Zealand Wynyard, Tai 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 116 kg (256 lb)
C 99 Senegal Fall, Tacko (I) 2.29 m (7 ft 6 in) 141 kg (311 lb)
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
  • Croatia Mario Dugandzic
  • Lithuania Laimonas Eglinskas
  • United States Daniel Sokolovsky
Strength & conditioning coach(es)
  • United States Shane Connolly
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Development player
  • (I) Import player
  • (SRP) Special restricted player
  • (NS) Next Star player
  • Injured Injured
Updated: 12 December 2024

All-time roster

[edit]
Main article: New Zealand Breakers all-time roster

Notable past players

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

Criteria

To appear in this section a player must have either:

  • Set a club record or won an individual award while at the club
  • Played at least one official international match for their national team at any time
  • Played at least one official NBA match at any time.

Retired jerseys

[edit]
New Zealand Breakers retired numbers
No. Nat. Player Position Tenure
23 Australia C. J. Bruton[95][96] PG/SG 2008–2014
24 New Zealand Dillon Boucher SF/PF 2003–2005, 2008–2013
32 New Zealand Paul Henare PG 2003–2011 (player)
2013–2018 (coach)

In February 2019, former owners Paul and Liz Blackwell were honoured by the Breakers with a banner in the rafters at Spark Arena.[97]

Arena history

[edit]
Spark Arena, 2017

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "NBA stars move in to take control of Breakers". Stuff.co.nz. 26 February 2018. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Kiwi Team Confirmed In Aussie NBL". basketball.org.nz. 6 March 2003. Archived from the original on 21 August 2006. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  3. ^ Hinton, Marc (21 September 2009). "NZ Breakers owner about making a difference". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  4. ^ Anderson, Ian (4 February 2014). "Jeff Green keeping quiet – for now". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  5. ^ Anderson, Ian (7 May 2023). "Controversial basketball coach Jeff Green on his bad boy image". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  6. ^ "Green steps aside as Breakers coach". nzherald.co.nz. 22 November 2003. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  7. ^ "Basketball: Lemanis new coach of Breakers". nzherald.co.nz. 8 March 2005. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  8. ^ "Breakers owners look to sell club to new investors". Stuff.co.nz. 14 November 2017. Retrieved 14 November 2017. Paul and Liz Blackwell have owned the club since 2005...
  9. ^ Hinton, Marc (21 September 2009). "NZ Breakers owner about making a difference". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  10. ^ "Basketball: Breakers snare playoff spot". nzherald.co.nz. 3 February 2008. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  11. ^ "Basketball: Breakers look to secure home playoff". nzherald.co.nz. 11 February 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  12. ^ "Penney to be eased back into Breakers". radionz.co.nz. 26 November 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  13. ^ Hinton, Marc (15 February 2010). "Breakers miss ANBL playoffs as Blaze win". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  14. ^ Warren, Adrian (29 April 2011). "New Zealand Breakers win 2010-2011 NBL title with grand final victory over Cairns Taipans". foxsports.com.au. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  15. ^ "Breakers book first finals berth". abc.net.au. 13 April 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  16. ^ a b "Breakers seal maiden NBL title". ABC.net.au. 29 April 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  17. ^ Hinton, Marc (2 May 2011). "Breakers secure first ANBL championship". stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  18. ^ "Breakers clinch back-to-back titles". ABC.net.au. 25 April 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  19. ^ "Basketball: Wilkinson and Breakers part ways". nzherald.co.nz. 30 June 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2013.
  20. ^ "Breakers give Webster another chance". Newshub. 30 August 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  21. ^ Hinton, Marc (10 February 2013). "Breakers' beat Kings in OT, streak still alive". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
  22. ^ "Breakers dominance casts doubt over quality of league". nzherald.co.nz. 12 March 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  23. ^ Hinton, Marc (13 April 2013). "NZ Breakers capture ANBL three-peat". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  24. ^ "GF2: Breakers three-peat after epic clash with Wildcats". NBL.com.au. 12 April 2013. Archived from the original on 13 April 2013.
  25. ^ "New Zealand win historic third consecutive NBL Championship". NBL.com.au. 13 April 2013. Archived from the original on 13 April 2013.
  26. ^ Hinton, Marc (28 April 2013). "New Breakers coach undaunted by top role". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  27. ^ Mitchell, Anthony (1 October 2014). "2014/15 NBL Season Preview: New Zealand Breakers". pickandroll.com.au. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  28. ^ "Breakers confirm return of Cedric Jackson". tvnz.co.nz. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  29. ^ "SF1 Report: Breakers make statement, smash 36ers". nzbreakers.co.nz. 26 February 2015. Archived from the original on 3 March 2015.
  30. ^ "SF2 Report: Jackson leads Breakers into another Big Dance". nzbreakers.co.nz. 28 February 2015. Archived from the original on 3 March 2015.
  31. ^ "BREAKERS SIMPLY TOO GOOD AS THEY BOOK GRAND FINAL SPOT". nzbreakers.co.nz. 28 February 2015. Archived from the original on 3 March 2015.
  32. ^ "GF G1 Report: Breakers snatch first win". NBL.com.au. 6 March 2015. Archived from the original on 9 March 2015.
  33. ^ "Grand Final Report: Ibekwe jumper wins Breakers the Championship". NBL.com.au. 8 March 2015. Archived from the original on 11 March 2015.
  34. ^ "Ibekwe Historics Lead To Fourth Title For Breakers". nzhoops.co.nz. 8 March 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015.
  35. ^ Hinton, Marc (6 March 2016). "NZ Breakers beaten by Perth Wildcats in ANBL finals decider". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  36. ^ "GF3 REPORT: WILDCATS BREAK NZ HOODOO FOR ANOTHER TITLE". NBL.com.au. 6 March 2016. Archived from the original on 29 June 2017.
  37. ^ "Paul Henare, Dillon Boucher named as new NZ Breakers coach and general manager". Stuff.co.nz. 19 January 2016. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  38. ^ Hinton, Marc (29 January 2017). "NZ Breakers' ANBL playoff hopes in tatters after massive defeat to Sydney Kings". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  39. ^ Hinton, Marc (29 January 2017). "Paul Henare blasts his brittle Breakers: 'That was embarrassing, disgusting'". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  40. ^ Hinton, Marc (12 February 2017). "Breakers eliminated as Perth Wildcats pull off clutch 96-94 win over Melbourne". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  41. ^ Hinton, Marc (13 February 2017). "Steadfast NZ Breakers refuse to be downcast by agony of missing ANBL playoffs". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  42. ^ Anderson, Niall (9 November 2017). "Basketball: New Zealand Breakers topple Perth Wildcats to move to 7-1". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  43. ^ Anderson, Niall (12 November 2017). "Basketball: Eight wins in a row for New Zealand Breakers". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  44. ^ Anderson, Niall (19 November 2017). "Basketball: Breakers dodge barrage of Bullets for ninth straight win". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  45. ^ "Another loss for Breakers as ANBL playoffs loom in Melbourne". Stuff.co.nz. 18 February 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  46. ^ "Boone the OT Hero as Melbourne Sweep Breakers". NBL.com.au. 5 March 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
  47. ^ Hinton, Marc (5 March 2018). "Breakers lose overtime thriller against Melbourne to bow out of ANBL semifinals". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
  48. ^ Anderson, Niall (28 April 2018). "Basketball: Kiwi exodus to continue at Breakers as club eyes up Australian big man". nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
  49. ^ Hinton, Marc (2 September 2018). "Breakers owner Matt Walsh: 'We're still a Kiwi club, but this is a business'". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  50. ^ Hinton, Marc (19 February 2019). "Reviewing the Breakers: Inconsistent play, soft defence make for a season to forget". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  51. ^ Hinton, Marc (7 August 2019). "New Breakers coach Dan Shamir eyes epic challenges: 'We'll have to be so smart'". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  52. ^ "NBL Unveils its Next Star in RJ Hampton". NBL.com.au. 28 May 2019. Retrieved 28 May 2019.
  53. ^ "New Crowd Record Will Be Broken Against Hawks on Thursday". www.nzbreakers.basketball. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  54. ^ "ANBL: Hampton v Ball match-up breaks viewing record". Newshub. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  55. ^ Hinton, Marc (8 February 2020). "Scotty Hopson, Finn Delany propel NZ Breakers past Brisbane in playoff push". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  56. ^ "New Zealand Breakers' turbulent season ends without finals basketball". Stuff.co.nz. 16 February 2020. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  57. ^ "New Zealand Breakers, the team no-one wants to play in NBL playoffs". Stuff. 13 February 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  58. ^ Hinton, Marc (10 November 2020). "NZ Breakers confirm December 1 shift to Australia in 'championship or bust' move". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  59. ^ Hinton, Marc (12 November 2020). "Breakers forced into early Aussie exit; coach Dan Shamir won't rush final roster calls". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  60. ^ Hinton, Marc (1 December 2020). "Breakers delay departure for Australia, confirm Melbourne base for NBL season start". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  61. ^ a b Hinton, Marc (13 June 2021). "NZ Breakers season review: Kiwi club shoots another brick amid unprecedented turmoil". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  62. ^ Hinton, Marc (28 October 2021). "NZ Breakers to jet out for Australia on Monday; set up long-term base in Melbourne". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  63. ^ a b Hinton, Marc (25 January 2022). "Nz Breakers vow to 'build again' after having 8 players laid low by Covid-19". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  64. ^ Pike, Chris (13 January 2022). "Breakers situation 'untenable', 208cm star on NBA radar — NBL Round 7 talking points". foxsports.com.au. Retrieved 14 January 2022. As if another season away from home and following an 0-6 start to the season wasn't bad enough, New Zealand Breakers coach Dan Shamir seemed to have his coaching undermined by his owner in their drought-breaking win on Sunday.
  65. ^ Hinton, Marc (24 April 2022). "'Proud' NZ Breakers owner Matt Walsh takes the hits, and says he's not selling up". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 24 April 2022.
  66. ^ Hinton, Marc (26 April 2022). "The NZ Breakers' NBL season of torment: Five big questions asked and answered". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
  67. ^ Hodges, Rani (25 November 2022). "The Man Behind the Breakers' Incredible Transformation". NBL.com.au. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  68. ^ Hinton, Marc (5 February 2023). "NZ Breakers clinch NBL second spot with dramatic overtime victory in Brisbane". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  69. ^ Hinton, Marc (5 February 2023). "'A hall of famer while he's still playing': Tom Abercombie lauded for NZ Breakers heroics". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  70. ^ "Brown Jr Shoots Breakers into Championship Series". NBL.com.au. 19 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  71. ^ "Kings v Breakers Championship Series Set". NBL.com.au. 19 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  72. ^ Hinton, Marc (19 February 2023). "Barry Brown Jr pours in 32 points to take NZ Breakers past Tasmania into NBL grand final". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  73. ^ "How They Got Here: New Zealand Breakers". NBL.com.au. 22 February 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
  74. ^ "Breakers Too Much for Kings in Game 1". NBL.com.au. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  75. ^ Hinton, Marc (3 March 2023). "Will McDowell-White leads NZ Breakers to upset over Sydney Kings in NBL grand final opener". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  76. ^ "Simon Inspires Shorthanded Kings to Game 2 Win". NBL.com.au. 5 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  77. ^ "Kings Take 2-1 Lead in Front of Record NBL Crowd". NBL.com.au. 10 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  78. ^ "Breakers Force Decider in Front of Another Huge Crowd". NBL.com.au. 12 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  79. ^ "Record Breakers Crowd Packs Game 4". NBL.com.au. 12 March 2023. Retrieved 12 March 2023.
  80. ^ "Kings' Big Finish to Secure Back-to-Back Championships". NBL.com.au. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  81. ^ Hinton, Marc (15 March 2023). "Sydney Kings outlast NZ Breakers in decider to claim back-to-back NBL championships". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  82. ^ Hinton, Marc (11 November 2023). "Mody Maor takes blame as slumping NZ Breakers fail NBL pressure-test in Perth". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  83. ^ Hinton, Marc (27 November 2023). "No magic answers as injury-hit NZ Breakers resume NBL against Adelaide 36ers". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  84. ^ Egan, Brendon (18 February 2024). "Breakers slip to sixth for NBL finals with costly loss in Adelaide". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  85. ^ Hinton, Marc (4 March 2024). "NZ Breakers pipped by Illawarra Hawks in thriller, tumble out of NBL post-season". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  86. ^ "Hawks make Playoffs, fairytale continues". NBL.com.au. 4 March 2024. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  87. ^ Hinton, Marc (23 May 2024). "Basketball bombshell: Mody Maor quits as head coach of NBL's NZ Breakers". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  88. ^ "NBL: Mody Maor quits as NZ Breakers coach to take up deal in Japan". nzherald.co.nz. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  89. ^ "NZ's Melbourne statement to shoot clear". NBL Official Website. 4 November 2024. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  90. ^ Uluc, Olgun (18 November 2024). "Tacko Fall joins Breakers for rest of NBL season". ESPN.com. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  91. ^ "Kings heap more pain on Breakers". NBL Official Website. 7 December 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  92. ^ "JackJumpers thrash Breakers for fifth straight". NBL Official Website. 12 December 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  93. ^ "Sixers break drought through Davis, Harrell". NBL Official Website. 14 December 2024. Retrieved 14 December 2024.
  94. ^ "Breakers defend Fall signing". NBL Official Website. 18 December 2024. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  95. ^ "Bruton Honoured Upon Return to SKYCITY Breakers". nzbreakers.co.nz. 17 October 2014. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  96. ^ "Breakers Two from Two to Start the Season". nzbreakers.co.nz. 17 October 2014. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
  97. ^ "Former owners Paul and Liz Blackwell of the Breakers are being honoured..." facebook.com/nzbreakers. 7 February 2019. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to New Zealand Breakers.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=New_Zealand_Breakers&oldid=1263701353"