The New Zealand Breakers closed their NBL regular season with a resounding 115–84 statement victory over the Cairns Taipans on Thursday night.
While the result had no bearing on the postseason, the win lifts the New Zealand team (13-20) to seventh place on the NBL ladder, just one placeoutside the playoff picture. The Breakers looked primed for their final game on the Gold Coast this Sunday.
The 31-point rout at Eventfinda Stadium provided their faithful supporters with a spectacular finale to the campaign. Star Kiwi forward Sam Mennenga made a devastating return after being sidelined for six games with a wrist injury. He posted 32 points by shooting with clinical efficiency, unleashing a masterclass in his return to the rotation. Primary ball-handler Parker Jackson-Cartwright took his usual role as he orchestrated the victory with trademark precision, adding 19 points and eight assists.
NBA draft prospect Karim Lopez returned to show his talent as he recovered from a leg injury to tally 15 points in his penultimate appearance before the 2026 NBA Draft. The return of the team’s frontcourt stars helped offset late injuries to key guards Izaiah Brockington (hip) and Tai Webster (leg), with the wider squad utilised heavily to preserve the rotation ahead of Sunday’s standalone tournament final.
Beyond the stars, depth in the squad proved decisive as bench units maintained the 30-point lead. Rookies Tukaha Cooper and Liam Judd notched first NBL points, while Carlin Davison’s maiden double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) signalled a rotation focused on bringing home silverware from the Gold Coast.
The contest was effectively decided in a blistering opening half where the Breakers shot a combined 64% from the field. Mennenga scored with his first four touches and had ten points in the opening four minutes as the Breakers led 15-12.
After the scores were locked at 24 apiece following the first quarter, the home side refused to relent, outscoring the visitors 37-20 in the second period. Back-to-back dunks from Mennenga gave the Breakers a 39-34 advantage and with Davison and Rob Loe scoring freely, the Breakers ended a dominant quarter with a 61-44 lead.
Head coach Petteri Koponen’s men now travel to Queensland on Friday for the inaugural Ignite Cup Final against the minor premier Adelaide 36ers. With a record $300,000 winner’s prize on the line, the clinical disposal of the Taipans serves as the ultimate dress rehearsal for a squad capable of causing a major upset on the Gold Coast.
