The New Zealand Breakers produced their best performance of the season, defeating Melbourne United 97–95 to keep their playoff hopes alive on an emotional night celebrating club legend Tom Abercrombie.
With Abercrombie’s No.10 jersey retired, the Breakers were inspired by an extraordinary fourth-quarter effort from 18-year-old Karim López, who scored 19 of his career-high 32 points in the final period to overturn an eight-point deficit in the closing minutes.
Despite a mounting injury toll, the Breakers showed composure and grit, with Parker Jackson-Cartwright contributing 23 points and Izayah Brockington sealing the win from the free throw line.
The victory lifts the Breakers to an 11–18 record, leaving them just one game outside the playoff positions as they prepare for a crucial clash with the Tasmania JackJumpers.
