NZ Breakers guard Corey Webster led all scorers with 27 points, as the Auckland-based Aussie NBL side threatened to upset the NBA's Phoenix Suns in pre-season play.
After trailing by as many as 19 points in the third quarter, they outscored their highly rated rivals 24-14 in the final period, closing within four points in the final moments, before falling 91-86.
That's the closest any of the Australian NBL teams have got to their NBA opponents so far this pre-season and must give the newlook Breakers a shot of confidence for their upcoming season.
Under new coach Kevin Braswell, they showed plenty of grit to stay in the contest, forcing the Suns to keep their starters on the court over the closing stages, when they would rather have had a chance to test their players further down the roster.
The Breakers actually scored first and led 13-10 in the first quarter, before the Suns rattled off seven straight points to take control of the game.
With number one draft pick Deandre Ayton leading the way, Phoenix led by 10 points at half-time and stretched that margin to 19 late in the third period.
But after a slow start, perhaps adjusting to the longer NBA three-point arc, Webster began to heat up, eventually stroking four long-distance baskets in his tally, while dishing out seven assists.
Ironically, the Suns are looking for a starting point guard.
The Breakers never really had a centre to match up against Ayton, who dominated around the basket for 21 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks.
Breakers import Shawn Long, who has previously logged genuine NBA minutes, ran into early foul trouble trying to contain his counterpart and finished with seven points/10 rebounds.
The Breakers now return home to prepare for their season opener against the Brisbane Bullets on October 11.
Newshub.
