Brantley: "He's the Best Point Guard in the League"

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

New Zealand guard Will McDowell-White knows how to flick the switch and perform when it's needed most, and that was no more evident than in the Breakers' incredible win over Sydney on Sunday.

McDowell-White scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds and five assists in the 80-70 win, as a record New Zealand crowd watched their team level the Championship Series at 2-2.

After he was shut down by Justin Simon in Game 2, scoring just seven points and turning the ball over on six occasions, the Breakers' number seven has responded, as any good player does.

Teammate Jarrell Brantley is a star himself, so these words hold great significance.

"Will's special man. In my opinion, he's the best point guard in the league," Brantley told ESPN.

RELATED: Game 5 ticketing information

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NZBreakers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NZBreakers</a> star Will McDowell-White chats to <a href="https://twitter.com/Liam_Santa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@liam_santa</a> Post-Game after their Game 4 win ??<br><br>Tune on Wednesday for Game 5 - 7:30pm AEDT live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies | Sky Sport and Prime for NZ ? <a href="https://t.co/t9Y3JqwTms">pic.twitter.com/t9Y3JqwTms</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1634826532479963137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When the Breakers looked to stop the Kings from gaining the upper-hand towards the end of Game 4, McDowell-White stepped up. He nailed two three-pointers to start the fourth quarter and wrestle back momentum.

The 24-year-old spoke about how he and his teammates were able to stay level-headed in the moment.

“We didn't want to be too desperate where we play out of control. Just trying to find the balance in the middle there to execute. This team is all about getting the shots that we want. If we do that, we're usually pretty fine,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/P1lVzT2BVC">https://t.co/P1lVzT2BVC</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1635085350648569858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

McDowell-White has averaged 19 points in the Breakers' two wins across the Championship Series, and is one of several potential game-winners come Wednesday night.

And while his hot form means he's sure to be courted by many clubs in the off-season, as Free Agency looms, he only has one focus right now.

“I only hear about what the boys see online – they ask me if I’m leaving or not and I just give them a blank look. For me, we’re focused on the championship,” McDowell-White added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">? ??'?? ????? ??? ???????? ?<br><br>Game 5 is locked in - and we're heading back to Sydney. What a series we've had ?‍?<br><br>Who takes home the championship? Tune in Wednesday to find out - 7:30pm AEDT live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies | Sky Sport and Prime for NZ ? <a href="https://t.co/6F4cYgVL08">pic.twitter.com/6F4cYgVL08</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1634814572292091904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The series-decider between the Breakers and Sydney Kings will tip off at 7.30pm on Wednesday night at Qudos Bank Arena.

Watch the game live and free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies, and Sky Sport and Prime in New Zealand.

RELATED: Game 5 ticketing information