Defensive Traps Clipped Breakers' Wings: Abercrombie

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

The New Zealand Breakers fell into the traps of the Kings on Sunday in Game 2 of the Championship Series, bringing the record to an even 1-1 with a 74-81 loss to Sydney.

The New Zealand Breakers fell into the defensive trap set by the Kings in Game 2 of the Championship Series according to captain Tom Abercrombie - as the ledger has been squared at one win apiece following the 74-81 loss.

The Kings dominated at Spark Arena with a 9-21 drubbing in the first quarter, but the Breakers to snatched back some points that brought the score to 30-34 at half time - still in Sydney's favour.

Abercrombie is backing his side to beat Sydney' defence more consistently in Game 3.

“The way they defended us they did a good job and we fell into to some of their traps tonight. So we’ve got to do a better job of that,” Abercrombie said.

“We were just searching for that one little spark to get us going.”

Barry Brown Jr top scored for the home side with 21 points, two assists and three rebounds, while fellow import Jarrell Brantley added 20 points of his own.

Head coach Mody Maor added to Abercrombie’s comments, saying the Kings traps have always been the same, however they unfortunately fell for their intimidating ways in Game 2.

“Traps for them are always the same, it’s the shots that they allow you to take. We worked to create other ones, when they’re good looks that you want sometimes they don’t fall then you force other things you want to avoid,” Maor said.

“They played with a small dynamic driver and it’s something we should defend better, and we will do better.

“We played with a lack of composure for big parts of the game, something we need to learn from,” he said.

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Despite losing Game 2, the Breakers claimed the first win of the series in Sydney. Both Maor and Abercrombie emphasised the challenge of the Championship Series that it is supposed to be.

“We played stressed tonight which is disappointing, it’ll hurt tonight. But it’s a series, it’s one loss and it’s 1-1. We pick ourselves up and we go again,” Abercrombie said.

“It’s a series, it’s supposed to be challenging and now we go back to the drawing board and adjust a little bit and come back strong,” Maor said.

"Championship Series, big games come with challenges.

“We need some composure to overcome them. With that being said it’s just Game 2, onto the next,” he said.

The Breakers have less than a week to prepare for Game 3 in Kings’ territory. Tip-off for Game 3 is 7:30pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday night.

Watch the game live and free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies.