An impressive team performance has seen the NZ Breakers take a 93-89 away win over the Sydney Kings.
With Max Darling, Mojave King and co-captain Mitch McCarron all out again through injury, the Breakers dug deep for an important result on the road at Sydney's Qudos Arena on Sunday in Round 6 of the Australian National Basketball League (ANBL).
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Leading the charge, Parker Jackson-Cartwright delivered an outstanding 21 points, eight assists and five rebounds, setting the tempo on both ends of the court.
Karim Lopez added huge value with his first career double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, providing the Breakers with critical second-chance opportunities.
Matt Mooney also had the hot hand, topping the scoresheet with 24 points, five assists and three steals.
Sam Mennenga was the only Kiwi to get on the floor in the game for the Breakers. He finished with four points from his time on court.
Sydney’s physical presence in the paint was felt with 28 points scored inside, but the visitors’ defence was resilient, countering with seven blocks - spearheaded by Lopez and Freddie Gillespie.
Leading scorer for the home side was New Zealand guard Izayah Le'afa with 23 points with Xavier Cooks, Cameron Oliver and Bul Kuoi all making nine each, but unable to get to double figures.
The win improves the Breakers’ record to 4-2 as they return home to prepare for the Adelaide 36ers at Spark Arena on Saturday night.
NZ Breakers 93 (Matt Mooney 24, Parker Jackson-Cartwright 21, Karin Lopez 13, Jonah Bolden 11, Freddie Gillespie 11) Sydney Kings 89 (Izayah Le'afa 23). 1Q: 18-25, HT: 49-45, 3Q: 72-69