Buford Slams Breakers’ Physicality

Sydney Kings coach Chase Buford has criticised the physicality of the New Zealand Breakers, comparing their style of play to that of the nation’s rugby team, the All-Blacks.

The Breakers were called for 20 fouls in Thursday night’s 88-81 loss to the Kings in the top of the table clash, and Buford believes New Zealand used illegal tactics on the defensive end.

“It felt like we were playing the All Blacks out there with the physicality of the game,” Buford said.

“I know the foul count was heavily slanted one way but it could have been double that, honestly. Freedom of movement went totally out the window.

“I felt bad for the officials because everyone's yelling at them for calling fouls but they could have called twice as many.

“Every play, they're grabbing, holding … every single time, on a screen, on a cut, we just couldn't move as they were holding us.”

Buford praised his team for how they handled the physicality, as Sydney recorded its second win in New Zealand for the season. The two sides meet again on January 22, a match which promises to hold extra meaning after Buford’s claims. 

“I thought it was really good the way our team, through the majority of the game, had the presence and energy about them, saying 'bring it, we'll handle it',” he said.

“Things didn't go our way in the fourth quarter. Part of that was the fouls that didn't get called and whatnot.

“I was really proud of our guys for handling that.”

Breakers coach Mody Maor wasn’t buying into Buford’s comments, saying he is trying to create a false narrative.

“I think he is trying to play into a narrative that I’m not playing into,” Maor said.

The win leaves the Kings on top of the ladder ahead of their Grand Final re-match with the Tasmania JackJumpers on Sunday at 4pm AEDT.