The Breakers ignited early behind veteran Reuben Te Rangi, who connected on three triples in the opening frame to secure a 28-25 lead at the end of the first quarter. Adelaide responded with clinical intent in the second period. Despite the pre-game injury clouds, Bryce Cotton – the likely NBL MVP – led a ferocious 36ers charge, capitalising on a disastrous six-to-one turnover disparity to snatch a 54–47 lead at the main break.
The momentum swung again in the third as the Breakers launched a disciplined counter-attack. Sam Mennenga, whose early return from a wrist injury looked in doubt early, silenced the critics with a thunderous slam dunk that sparked a New Zealand resurgence.
After trailing 74-66 with just two minutes and 30 seconds remaining in the third, the Breakers rallied and clawed back to within a single point, entering the final frame down 81-82.
The fourth quarter transformed into a modern classic. Izaiah Brockington sent the tension to a fever pitch with a steal and dunk to make it 100-98 with two minutes remaining. Jackson-Cartwright then exerted his control, burying a clutch triple to push the lead out to six.
The final 15 seconds on the clock lasted for an age as both sides traded timeouts and tactical fouls. Cotton dragged the 36ers within striking distance at the free-throw line, but the result was effectively sealed when Flynn Cameron fouled Mennenga with four seconds on the clock. The star forward controlled his aggression to land two shots from the charity stripe to make it a two-possession game, allowing the Breakers to burn the remaining time and secure the A$300,000 winner’s cheque.
The Breakers have proven they had a championship-calibre squad but failed to consistently record wins. Having last won the championship in 2015, the victory provides the club a welcome addition to the trophy cabinet. Heading into the off-season, the result validates the strategic direction under new ownership. The 36ers will now turn their attention to the NBL postseason as minor premiers.
Box Score
New Zealand Breakers 111 (Parker Jackson-Cartwright 29 points, Sam Mennenga 21 points, Izaiah Brockington 21, Reuben Te Rangi 17, Karim Lopez 12)
Adelaide 36ers 107 (Bryce Cotton 34 points, Zylan Cheatham 21, Nick Rakocevic 21, John Jenkins 15, Isaac Humphries 12)
1Q: 28–25; HT: 47–54; 3Q: 81–82; Final: 111–107
