Centre Yanni Wetzel has led NZ Breakers to a bounceback victory 90-67 victory ANBL playoff contenders Illawarra Hawks - only their third win over the season.
After falling by 24 points to expansion side Tasmania just three days earlier, the Breakers were as dominant as they were dominated in their previous outing, assuming control in the opening quarter and building a 23-point lead midway through the third.
Guided by Australian Olympic coach Brian Goorijan, the Hawks rallied to within singles figures in the final period, before a 17-2 run carried the Auckland side clear again.
Wetzel led all scorers with 22 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks, with Americans Jeremiah Martin and Peyton Siva combined for 26 points off a bench that outscored their counterparts 36-9.
After a two-week COVID-19 hiatus, the Breakers were never in the contest against Tasmania Jackjumpers, with social media pointing a critical finger at coach Dan Shamir. This result will at least stave off some of that reaction.
"Isn't it amazing to see the same team put together two different games," reflects Shamir. "Today was definitely unique - to defend a good team like the Hawks and keep them under 70 points.
"It's all about the simplest things in the game - their attitude, their mentality, their toughness. We rebounded the ball, defended, built a lead, kept it... totally two different teams.
"Just to know we can do that is great. Also to know our team can respond like that is also great and now we just have to do it on a consistent basis."
The Hawks entered the contest with a 6-4 record, and still occupy the fourth and final playoff spot on the table, albeit less than halfway through the season. The Breakers (3-8) still languish at the bottom of the table, behind Cairns Taipans (2-4), and a group consisting of the Jackjumpers, Brisbane Bullets and Adelaide 36ers (4-6).
Their next chance to improve their standing comes on Sunday, when they face Sydney Kings, a side they're already beaten once this season.
NZ Breakers 90 (Wetzel 22, Siva 14, Martin 12, McDowell-White 12) Illawarra Hawks 67 (Harvey 17, Cleveland 16, Jessup 10, Reath 10)
