THE New Zealand Breakers continued their push to the playoffs in a see-sawing contest against Brisbane Bullets to conclude Round 12 of the NBL. 

The 10-point victory – which saw both teams level at the first change – came about thanks to the Breakers finding multiple contributors to step up and share the ball movement. New Zealand Breakers coach Mody Maor believed it was a game won through energy and effort. 

“We were able to win a game that we needed to tough out, it’s a huge stepping stone for us,” Maor said. 

Dane Pineau had six points and three rebounds from limited minutes off the bench and he spoke about the feeling within the group as players returned from injury, as well as the 10-1 run near the finish to the game.

“Seeing Z Cheat (Zylan Cheatham), come in and play the way he did, he’s been working so hard to get back from injury, same as Will, those guys are massive for us and getting them back in was cool.”

Anthony Lamb led from the front on both ends of the floor, putting up 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and one steal. Cheatham came off the bench, finishing with 11 points, two rebounds and one assist. 

With the Breakers winning the second, third and fourth quarters; Pineau said how crucial it was to match the defensive nature and the physicality the Bullets brought in the game. 

“It was high intensity, both teams were playing pretty hard. It was going to take used to that offensively and we were able to match that on the other end defensively and slow them (Bullets) down,” he said.

Brisbane Bullets head coach Justin Schueller shared whilst it was disappointing not to get another result on their terms, the impact Rocco Zikarsk had in the third quarter was pleasing.

“He (Rocco) was impacting the game in a more positive way than the other two at the moment,” Schueller said. “Whoever is impacting gets the opportunity. Rocco did a great job tonight, rim protection, changed slot of shots, continue to be in positions to rebound and he’s finishing around the basket.”