The NZ Breakers have put up a strong fight against the Utah Jazz in the opening game of their NBA Tour.
The Breakers showed flashes of brilliance, matching up well early and going basket-for-basket with the Jazz for most of the first half, before eventually falling 116-87 in Salt Lake City on Friday night (Saturday NZ Time).
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The game was tied 47-47 with 4:04 remaining in the second quarter before the Jazz closed the half on a 16-0 run as a series of Breakers turnovers and misses let the game get away.
Parker Jackson-Cartwright led the Breakers with 16 points (7/16 FG), nine assists and three steals, showcasing his class against high-calibre opposition.
Former NBA centre Jonah Bolden added 13 points (4/8 FG, 3/7 3pt) and six rebounds, while Mexican ANBL 'Next Star' Karim Lopez provided 13 points (5/8 FG), seven boards, three assists, two steals and a block, and Mojave King contributed 11 points, both off the bench.
Kiwi big man Sam Mennenga also had 10 points (3/9 FG, 2/5 3pt, 2/2 FT) and five rebounds and American guard Matt Mooney 10 points (4/12 FG, 2/8 3pt).
The Jazz, powered by Johnny Juzang's 19 points off the bench and Lauri Markkanen’s 13 points, were clinical in their execution, shooting 58 percent from the field.
Walker Kessler was strong inside, with eight points and nine rebounds, helping Utah control the glass and the tempo of the game. The Jazz had four other players score in double-digits.
The Breakers now head to Philadelphia where they will take on the 76ers on Monday (tip-off 12pm Tuesday NZT), before finishing their US Tour against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday (tip-off 11am Friday NZT).
Utah Jazz 116 (Johnny Juzang 19, Lauri Markkanen 13, Brice Sensabaugh 12, Kevonte George 12, John Collins 12, Jordan Clarkson 11) NZ Breakers 87 (Parker Jackson-Cartwright 16, Jonah Bolden 13, Karim Lopez 13, Mojave King 11, Sam Mennenga 10, Matt Mooney 10). 1Q: 29-29, HT: 63-47, 3Q: 90-70
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