After spending two years on the road during the COVID-19 pandemic, NZ Breakers are questioning the logic in depriving players and staff yet another Christmas away from family.
Thriving on their return to a relatively normal home-and-away schedule, the Auckland-based franchise has responded with an 11-4 start to the Aussie NBL season, a record that sees them trailling only reigning champions Sydney Kings on the competition table.
Last season, the Breakers won just five of their 28 games, so their 2022/23 performance to date has been a revelation for a team that were not regarded among championship contenders two months ago.
But given their sacrifices, the club continues to question a schedule that doesn't seem to recognise the toll taken on its personnel in recent times.
After facing the Kings at Auckland's Spark Arena on Thursday, the Breakers face three straight road fixtures against Perth Wildcats (December 16), Brisbane Bullets (December 21) and Tasmania JackJumpers on Boxing Day.
"I want to not talk about the schedule any more," Maor told Newshub. "It is what it is and I believe the NBL will do better next year - but the Christmas part bothers me.
"These guys have sent two years on the road. People could have thought about this and given Tom Abercrombie Christmas with his family.
"I don't like it, but it is what it is and we'll play it that way."
Captain Abercrombie has probably suffered more than anyone else over the COVID seasons and obviously isn't excited about the prospect of missing even more time at home.
"There have been a few question marks over scheduling this year and leaving on Christmas is a toughie, but it is what it is and we'll take on that challenge like we have all the other ones."
The club has already voiced disapproval over a competition schedule that sends them to farflung corners of Australia and back again with very short turnaround, arriving back in Auckland early morning for games later that same evening.
"I think there's room for more logic in how the schedule is built," said Maor. "I feel we can do better as an organisation.
"I feel the NBL can do better, but I don't feel I'm being stitched up."
Incredibly, the Breakers are 6-1 on the road this season, perhaps a reflection of the durability built up over their time in exile.
