Breaking down NZ's hot season start

Fresh from a strong 91-86 win against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena and Thursday night, the Adelaide 36ers will be out for revenge as the side cross the Tasman to battle New Zealand Breakers on Sunday.

The Breakers shot the lights out on Brett Maher Court in round five to score a 99-70 success at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, and the 36ers will be keen to return the favour.

Adelaide looked like a different side on Thursday night at both ends of the court and it will be a different 36ers outfit which will face a New Zealand side who are coming off an 84-76 against Tasmania JackJumpers in Launceston on Friday night.

New Zealand has made an outstanding start to the NBL23 season and are one of the hottest teams in the league right now.

The 36ers will be out to celebrate captain Mitch McCarron’s 200^th NBL match while also looking to go 2-0 on this road trip. 

THE KEY
It’s very rare the key to any basketball game is a player that will come off the bench, but that is exactly the case on Sunday when Breakers head coach Mody Maor decides to insert import Barry Brown Jnr into the contest.

Brown Jnr had his way against Adelaide recently, had a game-high 22 points last time as the Breakers connected on 15 three-pointers in their round five victory.

The 191cm combo guard has been the driving force behind New Zealand’s 7-3 start to their NBL23 campaign, averaging 21.3 points per game, while also pulling down 3.3 rebounds and dishing 2.5 assists and per night.

Brown Jnr’s effectiveness comes complimentary of the all-round great play of starting point guard William McDowell-White, who is a tough cover from the opening tip.

McDowell-White partners Izayah Le’Afa in the backcourt, so when Brown Jnr enters the game, he is going up against some already fatigued guards.

An option for Adelaide is to hold Sunday Dech back to when Brown Jnr checks into the game, as a like for like match-up which will curb the import’s influence.

Brown Jnr is the nominated closer for the Breakers in the fourth quarter and the ball will always go through his hands down the stretch.

THE SECRET
It’s no secret now, but the Breakers pride themselves on the defensive end of the floor.

New Zealand made Adelaide commit 18 turnovers in the round five loss, and scored a massive 35 points from those 36ers turnovers.

Former South East Melbourne shooting guard Le’Afa was a real leader in this area and he will have a big assignment again, but the Breakers now also add into their line-up veteran Tom Abercrombie, who is not only the best defender on the team, he might be the best defender in the league.

How Adelaide combats the aggressive, in your face Breakers defence will go a long way to the outcome of Sunday’s match and expect the new-look 36ers offense to have made some tweaks to their avenues to the basket.

The 36ers will have a renewed offensive focus, especially after only dishing nine assists as a team for their 27 made field goals against New Zealand in round five, the Breakers’ defence turning Adelaide’s attack into a one-on-one style.

THE FINAL WORD
The inside dominance Adelaide had against United in their win in Melbourne won’t be the same on Sunday in Auckland.

Adelaide was brutalised inside during the last match-up against New Zealand, with import pair Dererk Pardon and Jarell Brantley nearly doing as they pleased inside the paint.

Brantley had 22 points and nine rebounds last time out, while Pardon caused more than a few headaches of his own, hauling in six rebounds, while keep Daniel Johnson to just two points.

Along with the turnovers Adelaide must clean up the defensive glass, where Pardon and Brantley come into their own, and create extra possessions for a Breakers side who have weapons right across the floor.

Expect a bigger impact from Robert Franks, who has been increasing his scoring punch recently, averaging 23.3 points per game in the last three matches, including a team-high 21 points and 11 rebounds in Thursday night’s win in Melbourne.

The inclusion of Anthony Drmic into the starting line-up has also paid great dividends, with an increased defensive presence in the backcourt to partner captain Mitch McCarron.

Drmic’s 21 points against United, which included 13 in the first half, was critical and creates another offensive option willing to share the ball.

Sunday’s game in New Zealand is a real statement for Adelaide’s NBL23 campaign.

Not only can the 36ers get back to a positive win-loss record, but a victory will also give the side a renewed confidence the plan is working, ahead of another road trip next round.

DEPTH CHART
McDowell-White | McNaught
Le’Afa | Brown Jnr
Abercrombie | Gliddon | Vodonavich
Brantley | Fotu| Davidson
Pardon | Timmins