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Korslovic won with a jump ball
Bediako failed to jump the ballBowen missed a three-point jumperLeBron James defended the reboundPreston missed a three-point jumperBowen defensively reboundedGoulding missed a step-back jumper from a threeLeBron James defended the reboundHe added 2 points inside the gate and missed a fadeaway jumperBowen defensively reboundedMachar scored a 2-point dunkBowen assisted the attackDavidson was subbed in, LeBron was subbed outVasijević missed a step-back jumper from two pointsOffensive reboundsHe added a three-pointer inside the basket and hit a jump shotPreston assistedDavidson committed a personal foulTravers committed a foulBowen missed a 2-point driving layupVasjević defended the reboundVasjević made a mistakeMachar scored a 2-point dunkTravers assistedVasijevic scored 2 points and missed a layup on a driveKorslovic defended the reboundGoulding missed a 2-point layupGoulding grabs offensive reboundsPreston committed a personal foulBowen committed a foulLeafa came on and Davidson came onKorslovic made a mistakeLe Affa made a mistakeTravers stole the ballMachaar scored a two-point alley-oop dunkTravers assistedVasijević missed a three-point jumperdefensive reboundsKorslovic hit a three-pointer jumperMachar assistedBediako scored 2 points on a layupKorslovic committed a personal foulBediako committed a foulLeafa assistedBediako made 1 of 1 free throwsMachar made a mistakeLe Affa intercepted the ballGoulding committed a personal foulBediako committed a foulIngles was brought on, Martial was substitutedVasijević missed a 2-point drifting jumperKorslovic defended the reboundTravers scored a 2-point layupGoulding assistedLe Affa made a mistakeBowen steals the ballBowen scored a 2-point layupPausePreston hit a two-point jumperIngles made a mistakeBediako missed a layup with 2 pointsKorslovic blockedOffensive reboundsGoulding committed a personal foulBediako committed a foulBlatkey and T. Wilson were substituted, while Korslovic and Travers came onHe added a three-pointer inside the basket and hit a jump shotLeafa assistedBowen committed a foulBediako committed a personal foulBowen's first free throw (2nd free throw): MissedBowen made his second free throw (2 free throws): MadeA foul is added inside the gateBowen committed a personal foulInside the goal, the first (2nd) penalty: successfulSecond penalty inside the goal (2 penalty): missedPreston grabbed offensive reboundsHe added 2 points inside the gate and made a layupGoulding hit a three-pointer jumperIngles assistedPreston scored a 2-point drifting jumperAssist inside the goalIngles hit a three-pointer jumperBowen assisted the attackVasijević missed a three-point jumperBlatkey defended the reboundBowen scored a 2-point layupRobinson was substituted, and Vasjevic was substitutedKorslovic and Hastings were substituted, while Bowen and Goulding were substitutedInside the gate, a mistake is addedT. Wilson stealedBrattuck missed a three-point jumperBediako defended the reboundLeafa scored a 2-point drifting jumperDavidson and Truangi were substituted, while Preston and Bediako were substitutedTravers was substituted, Bratek was substitutedTravers missed a 2-point driving layupInside the gate plus defensive reboundsTerangui scored a 2-point driving layupTravers made a mistakeTravers committed an offensive foulLe Afa committed a foulDavidson made a mistakeIngles made a mistakeLe Affa intercepted the ballRobinson scored 2 points on an alley-oop layupDavidson assistedT. Wilson's three-point jumper missedIngles grabs offensive reboundsIngles scored on a putback for 2 pointsLeafa hit a three-pointer jump shotAssist inside the goal
End of the first quarterNew Zealand Breakers Edge Melbourne United 90-86 in NBL Road Thriller
The New Zealand Breakers claimed a hard-fought 90-86 road win over Melbourne United on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in a National Basketball League clash that stayed close from the opening tip until the final possession. Melbourne United led for long stretches, but the Breakers produced the sharper closing stretch, outscoring the home side down the stretch to secure a four-point victory.
The result adds another gripping chapter to one of the NBL's most competitive cross-Tasman rivalries. New Zealand's balanced scoring and late-game poise proved decisive, while Melbourne were left to rue missed opportunities in the final three minutes.
Match Overview
Played at John Cain Arena, the contest was a back-and-forth affair featuring 11 lead changes and six ties. Neither team managed to build a double-digit advantage, and the largest lead of the night was just eight points. The Breakers' ability to answer every Melbourne run kept the pressure on the home side, and their execution in the clutch made the difference.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne United | 23 | 20 | 22 | 21 | 86 |
| New Zealand Breakers | 19 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 90 |
Melbourne started brightly, using early three-point shooting and transition offence to take a 23-19 lead after the first quarter. The Breakers responded in the second period, tightening their defence and forcing United into contested jump shots. A late 8-2 run before halftime gave New Zealand a 44-43 edge at the main break.
Key Moments That Decided the Game
- Second-quarter close: The Breakers turned a three-point deficit into a one-point halftime lead with a burst of defensive stops and quick baskets in transition.
- Melbourne's third-quarter surge: United opened the second half with a 10-2 run to take a 53-46 lead, their largest of the night, behind consecutive Chris Goulding triples.
- New Zealand's answer: The Breakers closed the third quarter on a 21-12 run of their own, reclaiming momentum and taking a 67-65 advantage into the final period.
- Clutch free throws: With the game tied at 84-84 and under two minutes remaining, New Zealand's guards knocked down four straight free throws to create the final margin.
- Melbourne's last look: United had a chance to tie in the final 10 seconds, but a contested three-pointer rimmed out, and the Breakers secured the rebound to seal the win.
Standout Players
New Zealand Breakers: Parker Jackson-Cartwright led the way with 22 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds, controlling the tempo in the fourth quarter. Finn Delany added 18 points and 9 rebounds, consistently attacking the offensive glass. Izayah Le'afa chipped in 14 points, including three three-pointers, while Rob Loe finished with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Melbourne United: Chris Goulding top-scored for the home side with 24 points, hitting five shots from beyond the arc. Matthew Dellavedova orchestrated the offence with 14 points and 8 assists, while Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. recorded a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Jack White contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds in a losing effort.
Tactical Story
The Breakers won this game with defence and rebounding. They held Melbourne to 42% shooting from the field and limited United's second-chance opportunities in the fourth quarter. New Zealand's switching defence disrupted Melbourne's pick-and-roll rhythm, forcing the home side into late-clock isolation plays. The Breakers also won the rebound battle 40-35, including 12 offensive boards that led to 14 second-chance points.
Melbourne's half-court offence was at its best when Dellavedova and Goulding worked the two-man game, but the Breakers adjusted by trapping Goulding on catch-and-shoot actions. United finished with 15 turnovers, and New Zealand converted those into 18 points. The Breakers' ability to score off turnovers and second chances ultimately outweighed Melbourne's advantage in paint scoring.
Season Impact and What It Means
The win lifts the New Zealand Breakers in the early NBL standings and strengthens their case as a genuine playoff contender. It also marks an important road victory against a Melbourne United side that is expected to be in the championship mix. For Melbourne, the loss is a reminder t