Breaking bad habits vital to NZ battle

Adelaide 36ers will be looking for two wins within 48 hours when New Zealand Breakers hit the Entertainment Centre on Sunday afternoon.

With Friday night’s swooping come-from-behind 103-95 success against Illawarra Hawks fresh in the mind, Adelaide faces a Breakers side who sit pretty in second place and have already defeated the 36ers twice so far in NBL23.

New Zealand will be well rested after their 97-94 win against Perth Wildcats at home last Wednesday night and will hold no fear coming back to the Entertainment Centre, where they left with a 99-70 win on October 28.

It’s a must win game for Adelaide, who sit at 11-9 on the NBL23 standings and in front of potentially another record home crowd, another winning streak is what is required to make a big push for the top four.

THE KEY
Barry Brown Jnr broke Adelaide hearts in Auckland with a three-pointer off the glass when the Breakers won 89-83 on November 20.

The 191cm combo guard has been a revelation for New Zealand this season, especially coming off the bench, but Brown Jnr has had to come into the starting line-up for the injured William McDowell-White, who will make his return against Adelaide.

“I’m not trying to rush it back, but at the same time we’re trying to get into the playoffs so I want to get back as soon as I can,” McDowell-White said.

“In the past I’ve rushed a lot of injuries…so this year I’m taking precaution but at the same time I do want to be back.”

Brown Jnr is averaging 20.6 points per game so far in NBL23, including 23 points in the Breakers’ 97-94 win against Perth Wildcats on Wednesday night.

Adelaide will need to pay extra attention to Brown Jnr and expect Antonius Cleveland to get the first assignment on the New Zealand matchwinner.

THE SECRET
Dererk Pardon has had his way with the Adelaide frontcourt in the Breakers’ two wins so far against the 36ers in NBL23.

Pardon is averaging 12.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per night so far in NBL23 but has been a thorn in CJ Bruton’s game plan twice this season.

The 203cm big man had 19 points and 10 rebounds in New Zealand’s win in Auckland and causes mismatches inside, but Kai Sotto was not in Auckland on November 20.

NBL Next Star Rayan Rupert is back from injury and might slot straight back into the Breakers’ starting line-up.

Rupert is touted to be a lottery pick in this year’s NBA Draft and the youngster has the talent to win a game on his own.

THE FINAL WORD
Adelaide will be confident after their final four-minute showing against the Hawks but New Zealand are going to be a totally different proposition.

The Breakers defence is one of the best if not the best in the league and Adelaide will need to combat New Zealand physical nature on that side of the ball.

Stopping the Breakers also is vital for and Adelaide success and the Breakers will look to dominate the paint but Kai Sotto will be in the line-up this time round.

The addition of Ian Clark could be the deciding factor in this match and he will play as the perfect match for Brown Jnr, while Antonius Cleveland will again continue to spark his side at both ends of the floor.

This match is as close as you will get to the playoffs before the post season has arrived.

DEPTH CHART
McDowell-White | Brown Jnr
Le’Afa | Gliddon
Abercrombie | Rupert
Brantley | Vodanovich | Fotu
Pardon | Loe | Timmins