ALTHOUGH it has been a slow start to the 2025/26 National Basketball League (NBL) season for the New Zealand Breakers as a whole, Next Star and NBA Draft prospect Karim Lopez has been a shining light for the team.

Lopez impressed again in the loss to the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday evening, and his improved productivity on the offensive end will be surely boosting his draft stock in his second year in the NBA pathway program.

Coming into the clash, both teams were looking to claim their first win of the fixture, although the Kings did miss the first week of action. It was a crucial matchup given the hot start of other teams and the competitive nature of the standings.

The Kings snatched control of the contest in the first frame, jumping out to a seven-point buffer by the first change and never looking back from there. The home side broke the game open with a 31-18 third frame to cruise home to a 22-point win at home and get the better of the Breakers.

Although the contest marked another loss for New Zealand, Lopez was still a strong performer for the Breakers on the road, having a positive impact whenever he was on the floor and showing the ability to perform despite a strong opponent.

Sydney Kings (97) def. New Zealand Breakers (75)

Karim Lopez – 10 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal

Despite the Breakers trailing for much of the contest, their Next Star was able to shine against the Kings, again proving crafty in finding the bottom of the net and looking mature beyond his years with his shot selection.

Lopez started the game by showing his defensive instincts, stealing the ball from Matthew Dellavedova and setting up a Sam Mennenga layup in transition. With the Kings taking control of the contest, New Zealand’s youngest player nailed a three-pointer against the run of play, showing steady form and a balanced shot to round out the first quarter.

Lopez hit the scoreboard early in the second frame with another made three-pointer, this time putting the ball on the floor and pulling up from long range to showcase his ability to score off the dribble in an exciting play for the young gun that will have surely caught the eye of scouts. After picking up his second foul midway through the term, the Next Star headed to the bench for the remainder of the half, although he was undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s best.

He was brought back into the game to start the third quarter, and showed his vision and IQ with a nice pass out to Mennenga on the perimeter to cut the margin back to four points after half time. Although Sydney took over the match again from there, Lopez still had some eye-catching plays. He drew contact on the drive and converted at the free throw line, before nailing a stepback jumper again against the run of play late in the third.

It was a quiet fourth quarter for Lopez, who was guarded reasonably heavily by the opposition in the final 10 minutes, before being subbed off with the result beyond reach as the Kings cruised home to a comfortable win.

Lopez finished the match with 10 points on 3/6 shooting from the field, which included two made three-pointers to demonstrate his three-level scoring, having impressed with his inside finishing last season. Although the start to the season has not been ideal for the Breakers, the Next Star is still finding a way to catch the eye.