Basketball: Green backs up to win player award

New Zealand Breakers import Brian Green has earned his first Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) player of the week award, due recognition for his performances in helping the club complete an unbeaten road trip last weekend.

Green was at the forefront of the win over the Hunter Pirates at Newcastle last Friday and, despite suffering a groin injury, he battled on to propel the Breakers to a historic first win at title favourites Sydney Kings on Sunday.

The Breakers recorded an impressive 116-98 win over the Pirates, with the 1.93m forward collecting a game-high 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal.

He then backed up as the Breakers brought the 19-win home run of the Sydney Kings to an end with an upset 115-104 victory over the minor premiers in Sydney.

The Breakers were the first team this season to record a win over the Kings at home and Green bagged 27 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Green has proved invaluable for the Breakers in his brief 15-game stint by scoring solidly and releasing the pressure on fellow import Rich Melzer, who has also thrived as the Breakers enjoyed a resurgence that enabled them to avoid the competition's wooden spoon.

Green is the second New Zealand player in three weeks to win the weekly award, after compatriot Melzer in round 20.

- NZPA