Bruton: 'We missed our opportunites' in NZ loss

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton has lamented missed opportunities in Sunday afternoon’s 85-83 loss to New Zealand Breakers at the Entertainment Centre.

Bruton said his side didn’t take care of the ball, Adelaide tallying 23 turnovers, as the Breakers beat the 36ers for third time this season.

“We shot ourselves, valuing the ball is a big key and we had 23 turnovers and how they come about, from the jump ball right going through the game,” Bruton said.

“We had chances to go ahead and take leads, but it’s unfortunate.”

Ian Clark and Anthony Drmic both had opportunities to give Adelaide the lead late, but both their three-point shots caught iron as the 36ers came swooping back from a nine-point deficit in the final two minutes.

“I’m proud of them, I know this loss while it stings you want to win every game at home and every game from here on out, it’s unfortunate how that game came about,” Bruton said.

“I like for us to take back some of our turnovers but how we played and competed and battled was another leg up.”

Bruton said he would love to see the ball in Clark’s hands every time the game is on the line.

“To have that shot in hands, I’ll take that over and over again,” Bruton said.

Adelaide must regroup now for a road trip to Hobart to play Tasmania JackJumpers on Thursday, then a trip to Perth to face the Wildcats on Saturday.