ALTHOUGH they were competitive in their first NBL x NBA clash, the New Zealand Breakers were convincingly beaten by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second preseason game for the team across the Tasman.

The Breakers were beaten by the Jazz over the weekend, but competed extremely well in the first half of that clash and impressed with how well they were able to match Utah’s production, so fans were optimistic to see something similar against a stronger outfit in Philadelphia.

However, it was not a pretty result for New Zealand, convincingly beat for all four quarters by the 76ers in a crushing defeat at Wells Fargo Centre on Tuesday morning AEDT.

Philadelphia 76ers (139) def. New Zealand Breakers (84)

It was a less than ideal start to the game for the Breakers, who conceded 40 points in the opening term and was trailing by double-digits before even registering a field goal. The 76ers were doing as they pleased, and were knocking down some outrageous shots, particularly thanks to the efforts of All-Star and NBA Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey. The deficit sat at 21 at the end of one, and it was essentially over already.

The Sixers showed no signs of slowing down in the second term, whacking another 42 points on the board and despite an improved offensive effort from New Zealand in comparison to the first quarter, the visitors trailed by 33 at the main break.

With the game over by half time, the final two quarters were much of the same, with Philadelphia proving far too good for the Breakers. Although New Zealand tried to tinker with some adjustments to close out the game, it was to no avail, as the Sixers forged out a massive win in the preseason.

Although the result was far from ideal, the performance of point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright was a massive highlight for the Breakers. Against one of the best teams in the world, he was still able to deliver a standout game and show why he is considered one of the best players in the NBL after just over a year in the competition.

He posted 26 points for the match, including 20 in the first half where he was a sole source of offence for the Breakers. He took on more of a scoring role for New Zealand as opposed to the playmaking skills he possesses, simply looking to find the bottom of the net as fast as possible.

Former Next Star Mojave King knocked down a trio of three-pointers in the second half to provide a spark on the offensive end, and ended the game with 15 points in a promising performance from the sharpshooter.

The Breakers will have their final NBA matchup on Friday, when they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder before returning to Australian shores.