KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Breakers got some early Christmas cheer today with news that key playmaker CJ Bruton could miss just three games in the Australian National Basketball League.
The point guard suffered ligament damage in his left ankle in the Breakers' 118-94 victory in Perth last weekend and there were initial fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
After x-rays on the ankle, Bruton said the diagnosis was "a lot better than expected".
Rehabilitation was likely to take three weeks, which would mean he could be back for the Breakers' next home game, against Townsville on January 15.
The Auckland-based club, second on the ANBL table, are not in action again until January 2, when they face Wollongong in the first leg of a New South Wales road trip.
They meet the Spirit in Sydney the following night and then have another away match the next weekend, against present leaders South Dragons in Melbourne on January 10.
Bruton was frustrated the injury would prevent him from flying to Sydney this week to be with his family.
But one positive aspect was that the mishap didn't occur during the playoffs.
Another was that his body would get a rest and he would also get more time to tend to knee and elbow problems, even if that was a minor consolation.
"I'd like to be out there playing with the boys," he said.
"I didn't come here to rest. I came here to win a championship."
Bruton said he knew as soon as the injury happened that it wasn't trivial.
He asked the team physio if he could get back out on court and "he looked at me like I was stupid".
"As the game went on, I knew I couldn't play".
Bruton's absence means Paul Henare will take over as the starting point guard, with back-up from youngster Corey Webster.
Even without Bruton's influence for most of the second half against the Wildcats, the Breakers were able to complete the club's first victory in Perth.
The Australian Olympian wasn't surprised at his teammates' ability to close out the result.
"The way the boys have been practising, the talent we have in the group and the way we're paying attention now to what the coaches are asking of us."
A three-time title winner, twice with the Sydney Kings and once with Brisbane, Bruton is in his first season with the Breakers, and he could feel a championship quality about the team.
There were always areas for improvement, such as in defence.
"But I think we're on par to get the championship," he said.
"Obviously January and February will be a big test."
- NZPA
