Sam Mennenga of the Breakers. Photo: photosport
The New Zealand Breakers are basking in the winning feeling, which has eluded them for most of the NBL season, after overpowering the defending champion Tasmania JackJumpers 85-75
Led by a dominant display from Sam Mennenga, who racked up a career high 29 points, the Breakers showcased their offensive firepower and defensive resilience in the club's 100th match at Spark Arena on Thursday night.
Mennenga was unstoppable in the paint, shooting 90 percent from two-point range and pulling down nine rebounds along with three triples.
The 17-year-old Karim Lopez continued his outstanding recent form with 17 points, two blocks and a steal, while Tacko Fall provided a spark off the bench with 11 points, seven rebounds and a block.
Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen Photo: Photosport / AAP
New Zealand's ability to dominate inside was a decisive factor, outscoring Tasmania 52-38 in the paint.
The Breakers' defence stepped up big time, limiting Tasmania's perimeter threats and capitalising on turnovers - converting 18 points from JackJumpers' mistakes.
The Breakers have had a tough season, languishing ninth on the NBL ladder and head coach Petteri Koponen said they had missed winning.
"Little bit almost forgot how the winning feels ...we've been there and improving the last few games. Tonight we played with unbelievable energy and that was the big difference. The group were well connected and playing incredible defence - flying around, physical, contesting shots, rebounding and playing together," Koponen said.
"This is a really good win for us. I'm proud of this group. We've been waiting for this and knew it was coming."
Mennenga said the win was a relief.
"It feels validating when this team goes through this stretch we went through and sticks together and fights every day. There's a lot we do behind the scenes in travelling and in the gym and everything like that and it just validates what we do and makes us understand why we do it," Mennenga said.
"By the time Christmas came along we had lost a few games and we got sick and tired of losing and so we started playing a little bit more like that. We pieced together two or three good quarters and we started to find some rhythm as a team and as a unit and I think that's been my mentality for these last few games is I'm actually sick of losing and we've got to play like it."
In his return from suspension, co-captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright orchestrated the offence with precision, tallying five assists to complement his eight points and two steals.
The Breakers point-guard was charged with pushing a game official during their Christmas clash with Tasmania and later handed a five game suspension.
Koponen was pleased with Jackson-Cartwright's return.
"Sometimes with Parker he goes a little bit over tempo and he kind of loses control because he's always so aggressive but tonight he was much better in critical moments, controlling and making plays, and making right decisions."
The head coach spoke highly of Mennenga's efforts.
"Sam was unbelievable in the defensive end, I think it all started there, he set the tone there ...and then on offence the guys found him. We always knew the talent is there ... Sam for me is one of the hardest workers in the team, he's always there early taking extra shots, trying to get better and that's the key. He's still a young guy trying to take the next step and that's the way to go."
The Breakers are back on court in less than 48 hours when travel across the Tasman to face off against South East Melbourne Phoenix at 7.30pm on Saturday night (NZT).
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