Basketball: Breakers coach Paul Henare hits out at players consistency

Paul Henare, coach of the New Zealand Breakers, is hitting out at his team for a lack of consistency. Photo / Photosport

Breakers boss Paul Henare has hit out at his troops for a lack of consistency following their 10-point NBL loss to Adelaide.

Last year's NBL runners-up went down 102-92 to the 36ers, who overcame a slow first-quarter to punish the Kiwis with scorching second and fourth quarters.

Star 36ers import Jerome Randle continued his strong 2016 form with a 37-point haul, including four assists, while Daniel Johnson nabbed 15 points.

The Breakers, meanwhile, were forced to lament a series of costly turnovers and have now lost five of their past six NBL matches.

They languish at seventh on the table with a seven-win, nine-loss record.

"We've just had an issue all year long really, of not being able to sustain consistent play," Henare told reporters.

"When you allow a team like that to get out and get running, get easy scores in transition, the crowd gets into it (and) they gain some confidence."

While Randle ran riot in the South Australian capital, opposing point guard David Stockton underwhelmed with five fouls and just five points.

Henare declined to single out the US import for criticism but admitted he racked up too many fouls.

"I wanted more from all our guys, from our leaders and across the board," Henare said.

"Could David have played better and had more of an impact? Sure, but he got in foul trouble and got on the back foot."

Finals basketball is quickly becoming a distant dream for the Breakers but Henare remained undeterred by the challenge.

The table could change rapidly from week to week, he said.

"It seems you lose a game or two and end up at the bottom, win a game or two and you're up in the top four," Henare said.

"We can't get too focused on where we are, it's a waste of time."