Mody Searching For More From Breakers

Usually a 37-point win would tick all the boxes for most coaches. A win that large at the top-level of competition means the offence was flowing, the defence was suffocating, and the team got the job done to a high-standard. Mody Maor is not most coaches though.

His New Zealand side kicked a travelling Brisbane Bullets side out of the contest early in their Round 8 clash and kept the pressure on right until the final buzzer – the hallmark of a side that’s well in its groove.

Moving to 10-3 on the season the Breakers have formed their on-court identity through a physical and bullying brand of defence, but it was their offence that was in full flow against the Bullets as they dropped a season-high 116 points.

Maor, however, chose to focus on his perception of his side’s defensive shortcomings in the clash.

“I did not like that second quarter,” Maor said post-game. “We gave up 47 points in the first half – this is not our team, that is not how we play. I don’t care what the score is.

“I’m very proud of how the guys responded. It shows to me they understand who we are and who we need to be … I liked the way we defended in the second half.

“Losing is a challenge and winning comes with its own challenges … it doesn’t matter who was on the floor in the second half. We defended so we were happy.”

Jarrell Brantley was once again in fine form for New Zealand. He crashed and bashed his way to a game-high 29 points after hitting 11-14 of his two-point attempts. He also added eight rebounds and five assists to take home Foot Locker Player of the Game honours.

He says the team thrives off of Maor challenging them, even when they’re winning.

“Coach challenged us multiple times and we tried to respond,” he said.

“We started off slow multiple times, we had slow moments but we stayed together.

“I think at this point we’re just trying to show the character of who New Zealand is, and I think that’s the most important part.

“Beyond the wins and losses it’s how we tackle adversity. The travel has been crazy but us being focused and disciplined has been a good task.

The Breakers face South East Melbourne this weekend, and Maor has made a bold claim to put the pressure on his opposition in the lead-up.

“The Phoenix are the most talented team in the league,” he said. “That’s a good challenge for us. We’re looking forward to it.”