The New Zealand Breakers are on the board. After starting their NBL campaign with six straight defeats, the Breakers finally got off the mark on Sunday night with a shaky 88-83 win over the Brisbane Bullets.
While less than convincing down the stretch, the Breakers will take solace in notching their first win of the campaign — with Yanni Wetzell again looking like the signing of the season.
With 27 points, Wetzell was immense in Brisbane, making his mark early to push the Breakers to a big lead, before playing a crucial role in closing out the win.
It was a familiar showing from Wetzell, but for the first time this season, several players contributed significantly. Hugo Besson again showed his offensive chops in scoring both from three-point range and driving to the rim, while Jeremiah Martin took over in the fourth quarter with the ball in his hands and Finn Delany had an important defensive impact.
As has been the case most of the season, the Breakers got off to a great start. Moving the ball early and working for high-percentage looks, Wetzell made his touches count in the paint with 11 early points, while he was also drawing fouls and setting up teammates.