Impressive win for Breakers extends their NBL season

Parker Jackson-Cartwright of the Breakers drives to the basket Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Breakers season continues after beating the Sydney Kings in the first round of the NBL basketball play-offs.

The Breakers won the Play-In Qualifier 83-76 in Sydney to eliminate the Kings, ending their hopes of a "three-peat" of titles.

The Auckland side, who have had plenty of injury issues in recent weeks, got through on the back of a strong performance from import guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who scored 34 points.

The Kings lead 22-15 after the first quarter and were up by nine at half time before the visitors fought back in the second half.

The Breakers outscored the Kings 45-29 to move into a Play-In battle with the Illawarra Hawks in Wollongong next Monday night.

Jackson-Cartwright was instrumental in New Zealand dominating the second half, he also had six assists and five rebounds.

Forward Zylan Cheatham injured an ankle in the second quarter, but came back on court scoring in the second half with points, four rebounds and three steals.

Will McDowell-White took to the floor just two weeks after suffering what initially looked to be a serious shoulder injury in the side's Round 20 win over Brisbane.

"These guys are so tough," said coach Mody Maor.

"They care about all the right things, they care about each other, and they're battle tested, because this season has been tough and we've seen everything and been through everything.

"Once I walked into the locker room at half-time, I knew we were winning the game because there was no sign of anything but determination and being focused on the task. It was fantastic and I'm really proud."

The victory means the retiring Tom Abercrombie gets to play at least one more game.