36ers ready for crucial Breakers showdown

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton says his side owe New Zealand as the Breakers head to the Entertainment Centre for a season-defining battle on Sunday afternoon.

The Breakers have won both battles against the 36ers so far in NBL23, 99-70 at the Entertainment Centre on October 28, and 89-83 in Auckland on November 20, but Bruton knows Sunday’s battle will be different.

 “We got New Zealand walking through the door in less than 48 hours and they are no slouches and they just got a win against Perth,” Bruton said after Adelaide’s 103-95 win against Illawarra on Friday night.

“We need to make sure we are ready and prepared if we want to go toe-to-toe and compete for a championship, they are one of the teams in the way.

“We need to make sure we get a win against them so they know what we are moving forward and we have a different group.”

Adelaide will have Ian Clark and Kai Sotto in the roster against New Zealand, who were both missing on November 20, while the Breakers will welcome back Rayan Rupert, but will be without William McDowell-White (broken finger).

Bruton said his side should take some confidence into Sunday afternoon’s battle after swooping home with a 17-0 run late in final quarter to get past the Hawks.

“The boys responded, you need energy and playing in front of big crowds and to win games like that, you don’t want to do that too often,” Bruton said.

“The way we got after it and to go on a 17-0 run, been able to get up the floor and push the ball, but the intensity of the defensive end got us the win.

“When you got a player like AC (Cleveland) who can do multiple things on the floor, his defensive intensity, being able to block shots, change shots, sprint the floor at the other end, dunk a ball, play like Vince Carter above the rim, he’s been able to do it all for us.”

Friday’s stunning comeback won’t mean too much without an improved performance against the Breakers and Bruton has told his side the time is now to perform.

“It’s playoff time and being able to dig deep and win games and we are sort of in a bit of a jam and we are playing for sheep stations right now, like this is it, your season is on the line,” Bruton said.

“I need that sort of effort and energy in front of a crowd like this will make a big difference to come away with a win is something you can’t take away.

“I’m happy for us, but there are bigger fish to fry.”

ADELAIDE 36ERS vs NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, 1.30pm Sunday
LIKELY STARTERS
36ers: McCarron, Dech, Cleveland, Franks, Sotto
Breakers: Brown Jnr, Le’afa, Abercrombie, Brantley, Pardon
LAST TIME
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 89 (Brown Jnr 22, Pardon 19, Brantley 17) def ADELAIDE 36ERS 83 (Cleveland 17, Franks 14, Galloway 13) at Trusts Arena, Auckland.