KEY POINTS:
The Breakers' six remaining home games are even more crucial following the team's trying four-match road trip.
The team are back in Auckland after their 16,000km journey, drained, but not deflated, by four successive losses that have nudged them out of the top eight.
Coach Andrej Lemanis said taking care of business at home was now more important than ever, starting with tomorrow night's clash with fifth-placed Townsville, who are on a five-game winning streak.
"We have six games left at home and it's important to win these while striving to pick up one or two wins on the road," Lemanis said.
The most stunning solo effort was Carlos Powell's 50-point haul against the defending-champion Melbourne Tigers, smashing the Breakers' individual points-scoring record by six.
"Carlos is brilliant at getting to the ring but, when he adds his outside shot into the mix, he's deadly and is pretty special to watch," Lemanis said.
Powell's performances over four days have won him a third ANBL player of the week award this season.
He averaged a staggering 42.3 points, as well as six rebounds and 4.6 assists in matches away to Singapore, the South Dragons and Melbourne.
The 2m forward opened his account with 43 points, four rebounds and four assists against the Slingers on Thursday.
He backed up two nights later against the Dragons, with 34 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The 23-year-old Californian's prolific scoring reached its peak 24 hours later when he hit the 50 against the Tigers, adding nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals to his personal tally.
Powell is the league's top scorer by a clear margin, averaging 29.1 points in 19 appearances.
- NZPA
