Mystro
Years ago

Breakers Vs Tigers Round 8

The Tigers head to NSEC in Auckland to face the Breakers after losing to the Crocs in round 7 while NZ got only their 3rd win of the season over the Crocs in round 7 also.
The Tigers are 4/4 while the Breakers are 3/6.

I am hoping NZ have turned the corner and can string together a few wins. A lot of the Tigers fortunes rest on how Chris Goulding goes and how their new import is settling in.
If NZ can limit Gouldings influence without fouling every possession they should win, easier said than done unfortunately. Tigers by 6.

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Mystro  
Years ago

Kerron Johnson sat out training today to rest a sore shoulder.

Reply #447218 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Will be a real test of defensive discipline for the Breakers. Goulding is scoring in bulk lots and there are plenty of supporting acts there. Losing against the Crocs at home like they did made Anstey very, very angry; he probably chased them around the practice court yesterday with cattle prods. It will help them if Farrakhan can start getting in the groove this week, but it might be another couple games yet before he reaches peak.

Would expect Breakers to be very careful with that shoulder, he is someone they will need to take on the Tigers.

Reply #447219 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

The NZ Herald have said Johnson is in doubt for the game but their reporting of anything basketball related should be taken with a grain of salt.
He (Kerron Johnson) has a swollen shoulder and had some discomfort at training earlier in the week so they have rested him since. He has had an MRI which was inconclusive and the Breakers are chasing more information and specialists opinions.
Mika Vukona also has a sore shoulder which has limited his neck movement at practice the last couple of days but will be good to go by game day.

Reply #447224 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Yikes, that's a strange one for Johnson. Hope nothing untoward is going on there. If those two are down on performance, or miss the game, will put a lot of pressure on Bruton. Does Corletto run the point at all?

Reply #447230 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

PG duties will be split between Webster & the aged CJ Bruton and Corletto is just a secondary ball handler in the event of a press.
Wouldn't be so bad if we were playing the Kings, both teams could run 3x SG's all game.

Reply #447242 | Report this post


We really need Mika. We need someone to take advantage of Lucas Walker.

Reply #447246 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Still can't believe that every time I see your username my first thought is "Harry Potter reference?"

Anyway - "take advantage" of Walker?

Reply #447247 | Report this post


Steven  
Years ago

I will go for tigers in this one especially without johnson melb by 12

Reply #447259 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

Johnson is in doubt, by how much only the Breakers know. Vukona, Pledger, Abercrombie etc all have played with injuries so hopefully Johnson has had a tweet from Worthington telling him to harden up.
I expect him to suit up but could be wrong.

Reply #447260 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

You might need to get Johnson onto Wortho's fantasy NBL team first.

Reply #447272 | Report this post


Jack Toft  
Years ago

Does anyone remember the time when all teams were afraid to play Aukland? Even the cheerleaders were scary!

Goulding is the obvious key to the game and for the Breakers to have any chance, they need to keep him down. Who will step up and drink from the poisoned chalice?

With Goulding in white hot form, its hard not to see the Tigers tear out the heart of the Breakers.

Reply #447281 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Tomlinson/Goulding v Johnson/Corletto is much more even proposition than a Buton/Corletto backcourt. If Johnson plays, I'm in the air over the result, but if he doesn't, that gives Anstey a lot of material to work with and Tigers should get it done.

Reply #447286 | Report this post


Tyrell  
Years ago

I'm sticking with the match-point theme for the Breakers, a win would set them up nicely- MUST win game again!

Reply #447311 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

I would have thought that Abercrombie would get the job on Goulding using his length and athleticism to contest, but his scoring of late has been super valuable so Corletto may have to use his fouls wisely on Goulding.
I'd be comfortable with TeRangi/Vukona covering and negating anything Walker may bring to the table.

Reply #447313 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

Abercrombie is the best match-up, but with Walker and Wortho and the two forward spots the Tigers make it very hard to play a SF on Goulding.

Reply #447318 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

Breakers could play Webster @ PG and shift Abercrombie down to SG, TeRangi at SF and Vukona/Wilkinson at PF and the Pledge at C.
Would be a long and athletic team capable of switching on defense and tough cover offensively.

Reply #447335 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

If the season goes south I think the Breakers should give Webster a lot of time at PG. He will never be a pure PG but the more time there the better he'll get, and he's already their best pick-and-roll guy, just needs to learn how to spot the non-obvious pass when the defence rotates to cover the roller/kick-out etc.

Abercrombie and Webster are still on the youngish side when it comes to go-to guys down the stretch, but Id like to see the Breakers back that pair in because they are both more than capable.

Reply #447339 | Report this post


MACDUB  
Years ago

Goulding is going to go off tonight.

The Breakers are the most ill-equipped team to defending elite Shooting Guards.

Corletto can't defend to save himself.

Webster could match Gouldings' speed, but is giving up 3 inches or so. (Shame Corey didn't get his dad's height, Tai clearly has).

Abercrombie is your only real option.

But I don't think he could keep up with Goulding. If Abercrombie did guard him, I could see him picking up a few early fouls, which will mean he has to sit on the pine (which ultimately negates his offensive game)

The thing they could do is just rotate the defensive assignments and throw a combination of those guys at him, along with Te Rangi.

Either way, im tipping Chris to have 30 + tonight.

Reply #447349 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

Corletto did a great job on Lisch in the finals, all be it very physically

Reply #447393 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

MACDUD over 350 games must play some DEFENCE

Reply #447405 | Report this post


MACDUB  
Years ago

Because he is in the league for his shooting ability?

Steve Novak has being in the NBA for a while..doesn't make him a good defender.

Reply #447407 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

So, is Johnson suiting/not suiting?

Reply #447408 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

Corletto is a very smart defender, not too many bad ones play on four championship teams, but Goulding's athleticism would trouble him (and most others). It's about team D with superstar players, as Townsville showed in the second half last week.

Reply #447415 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

I believe Johnson is suiting up, how many minutes he plays is anyones guess

Reply #447417 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Thanks Mystro - NZ away to Perth and Melbourne next round, does call for some judicious injury management.

Reply #447420 | Report this post


MACDUB  
Years ago

First points of game = Goulding absolutely blows by Corletto for the and1

Reply #447431 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Looks like Corletto has the job (inasmuch as he can) on Goulding.

Reply #447433 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

And a second foul by Corletto on Goulding in the first three minutes of the game. Bad start.

Reply #447434 | Report this post


Could someone please give me a running score update please? (Internet really slow!)

Reply #447435 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

ARGH this foul situation, bloody sort it out already! FFS!

Reply #447436 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Scores are 7-5, with fouls keeping pace at 3-3 after only three and a bit minutes.

Reply #447437 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Only person in multiple fouls atm is Corletto on 2, was not subbed out at the time, but now as been subbed for Webster about halfway through the quarter. Johnson fouled Goulding, no one is shooting well and the foul count is 4-3, score 9-7.

Reply #447439 | Report this post


Thanks, you're a life saver

Reply #447440 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Corey Webster with a USF on Farrakhan, made both, then Tomlinson sank a three on the retained possession, assisted by Ballinger.

Ouuuuch, Vickerman would not have loved that.

Webster redeemed himself with his own three, then Te Rangi made a steal and 3pt of his own.

Goulding has drawn his 3rd foul, this time from Abercrombie, Morrison has dunked and we are rattling along 26-21 with a minute to go.

Reply #447442 | Report this post


MACDUB  
Years ago

Very high quality game thus far!

Reply #447443 | Report this post


Damn it...#BREAKERNATION
#LETSGOBREAKERS

Reply #447444 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Abercrombie and Corletto both on 2 fouls at quarter time, Goulding having drawn 4 so far. Not shooting well so far but if he keeps getting his defenders in trouble he will capitalise.

Top scorers are Morrison 6, Wortho 5, Vukona 4.

Reply #447445 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Te Rangi just missed two free throws.

NZB cleaning up on the boards behind Vukona

Reply #447446 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Vukona, Waxy, Goulding each on 3 assists

Reply #447447 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Vukona having an absolute blinder so far, 4p 4a **9**r 1b

Reply #447449 | Report this post


Trip Dub watch??

Reply #447450 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

From Hero to Zero, Wilkinson goes from hitting the triple to committing NZ's 2nd USF of the game, this time on Morrison.

Reply #447451 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

@Griffin

He's certainly tracking for it, and staying out of foul trouble so far for a miracle (just watch, he's going to be straight out ejected now I've said this)

Reply #447452 | Report this post


Yeah probs

Reply #447454 | Report this post


Proud  
Years ago

Correct me if I'm wrong but is Corey Webster the laziest player in the NBL or just the laziest guard?

Lol @ Anstey using a cattle prod on his players... Think Webster could use this!

2:21 left in the second and Melbourne 36-33. I think I'll stick with Melbourne for this game.

Goulding has started well

Reply #447455 | Report this post


MACDUB  
Years ago

As much as i dislike Wortho...Damn the refs have screwed him over

Reply #447456 | Report this post


Vukona is on fire...

Reply #447457 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

The refs are calling fouls just for standing near the player driving to the hole. And that's for both teams. Refs think everyone is there to see them

Reply #447460 | Report this post


MACDUB  
Years ago

When the refs were letting small contact go in the first quarter the game was free flowing and exciting..

When they started calling it much tighter, the quality of the game diminished greatly

Reply #447461 | Report this post


bankedshot  
Years ago

Melb can not get a call. The Tigers get frustrated when the reffing doesn't go their way. Breakers lead is about to get a lot bigger lucky half time is only a minute away

Reply #447463 | Report this post


12 Points, 12 Rebounds, 4 Assists, No Fouls...MIKA, HOW ANGRY ARE YOU?

Reply #447464 | Report this post


Proud  
Years ago

Is Mika wanting player of the week (nomination) or just the win?

He has been ridiculous tonight...

Talking about ridiculous... Got some of our better refs in this league calling this game and that second quarter was ugly

Reply #447472 | Report this post


bankedshot  
Years ago

That in huddle cam was rad. Cj Bruton "2 things, Keep him off the glass and don't let Goulding beat us""He's got 21 points is the leading scorer in the league do you think he cares."

Reply #447478 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

always a great atmosphere at NSEC

Reply #447480 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

That crowd is loud. I don't see Melbourne coming back. They seem to lack the mental fortitude in environments like this

Reply #447483 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

That's a Breakers team I would pay to watch, much better performance.
There were still large periods where the offense completely dried up but the Tigers deserve a lot of credit for pressuring NZ into wasting possessions.

Goulding still got open more than I'd like but in the end it didn't matter.
Great to get the win at home with a half decent performance against a good opponent.

Vukona lead by example and I loved Webster, Wilkinson & TeRangi's hustle & energy off the bench.

After Goulding & Morrison the Tigers didn't have anyone else who looked like doing much offensively apart from chuck up a 3. Their new import hasn't really found his feet in the league and looks pretty frustrated.

Reply #447486 | Report this post


Proud  
Years ago

I've been thinking about this since the game ended and instead of going off at Melbourne I think Breakers need their props as they Tigers were no way comfortable.

Watching that last quarter, I couldn't help but feel that Tigers are a 3rd rate team, Goulding was being stopped, Wortho was ineffective and they couldn't get the ball inside to Morrison. Ballinger should have been out there and as for Mustaphar; he looked like Bennie Lewis with even less game (both wear #9)

Reply #447487 | Report this post


Proud  
Years ago

On a lighter note, that's 3 poor games in a row for Worthington... If he doesn't destroy Garlepp and his mates then he won't be in my dream team next week

Reply #447488 | Report this post


Muzz Buzz  
Years ago

Melbourne wont be a factor while Anstey is calling the shots. He has no control over the group. Have it on very good authority that Wortho doesnt do weights because he doesnt feel like it. Farrakhan is another misstep by him. lazy players are attracted to the environment. Even Goulding has had enough and only taken leaps forward because he is doing extra work and wants to get better.

Reply #447490 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Holy crap, Mika Vukona

Reply #447491 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Well, the we have a pack now for the playoff positions and after dropping the hammer on Melbourne in the 4th, and Sydney's 43, you would have to give some thought to NZ being the 3rd strongest team at present.

Reply #447492 | Report this post


Pikachu  
Years ago

Vukona doing another Rodman

Reply #447494 | Report this post


Jack Toft  
Years ago

When the Breakers sent out an SOS for a hero, enter M Vukona.

Reply #447497 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Is Pledger injured? Hes never been a super fluid player but he looks like hes in pain

Reply #447500 | Report this post


Wilson Sting  
Years ago

So that's what happens when Vukona stays out of foul trouble.

Reply #447505 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Press the reset Melbourne and Wortho, Farrakan out, Ubaka back in (I know but after last 2 games-why not ?) please use Ballinger more and sign someone like Daly to move the ball and create shots oh and defend !!!!!!.... somethings not right now is it ...

Reply #447508 | Report this post


Proud  
Years ago

@ Muzz Buzz

Why would there be so much discontent?

What's Tommy Greer doing about it ? As captain you'd believe he wouldn't want his team being so divided and surely Greer is good for something (commentary isn't his go either) but I'm not sure exactly what it is yet!

I think Nate Tomlinson is progressing along great and surely Anstey has fast tracked him with all the minutes he gives him and he is getting better and I'd rather have Nate on the floor over the angry Mustaphar

Reply #447514 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Anyone saying Ubaka back in for Farrakhan is jumping the gun so badly they probably need to get on one of those AMI ads as well.

Reply #447527 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

I love the invisible foul from Johnson on Goulding for the and1 play.

Reply #447529 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

There were a few of those invisible fouls this game. Probably one of the worst reffing displays i have ever seen in that second quarter. They managed to let the game be played through large parts of the other 3 though. That second quarter though man, I think 90% of the points were from free throws.

Reply #447531 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

TeRangi is a hybrid of Vukona & Abercrombie, once his IQ is up he'll be great.
Love his energy on the boards, guess Mika set the tone for him.

Reply #447533 | Report this post


Statsheet Stuffer  
Years ago

I thought Pledger was meant to be an elite defender, yet he's giving up big numbers to his matchups.

Reply #447549 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

Breakers played Pledger, Wilkinson & Vukona at Centre for stretches.

Reply #447557 | Report this post


Statsheet Stuffer  
Years ago

Not necessarily just last night. Conklin did really well in at least two of the three games they played Townsville, Daniel Johnson beat him convincingly, Traghardh bagged above his average, Larry Davidson got a double double.

It's not just the points and rebounds he gives up, but the number of shots he gives his opponent.

Reply #447562 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

What are peoples thoughts of Farakan?

I'd give him another couple of weeks, he may come on like Beal did, one guy i reckon the Tigers should look at if they make the change is BJ Young, currently playing a minor role on a team in the D-league atm, saw him play some college ball, senior year last year, is a combo guard, can flat out shoot/score, him and Goulding would make a lethal guard combo. He went to the same college as Gary Ervin and put up better numbers so id say he is NBL quality.

Reply #447563 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Rotnei Clarke also went to Arkansas for his first 3 years and put up Young like numbers, so he would be quality if a NBL club could get him.

Reply #447565 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

I think Pledger is a good defender. But he seems to be focussing a little more at the offensive end so far this season. Plus there have been a lot (almost all of them) of games where Vukona has been in foul trouble so he has had to be careful because they dont have Hudson and Boucher coming off the bench this year and the Breakers have struggled with the new officiating (though they have been better lately)

Reply #447573 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

Do those guys get numbers when Pledger is helping on the drive? That is how Morrison got most of his last night. Farrakhan's history suggests he will be a role playing import.

Reply #447585 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

Didn't pledger block the shit out of DJ a few times last time they played?

Reply #447607 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

Watched the game again and very few of Morrisons points came from scoring "on" pledger.
He generally took advantage of mismatches with smaller players on him and a few cheap put backs from poor team defense.

Reply #447631 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

Yeah, not many were on Pledger who spent a lot of time helping out, but I thought Alex got outhustled by Morrison, full credit to him for playing a really good game.

Reply #447633 | Report this post


Nathan of Perth  
Years ago

Look, if Knight can be labelled just a good role player, Pledger can get labelled a bad defender, it happens!

Reply #447638 | Report this post


Mystro  
Years ago

Agreed Paul re: outhustled, Vickerman called him out in a timeout for pretty much that.

Reply #447640 | Report this post


Anonymous  
Years ago

If Pledger played every second like he did the last 1 and a half quarters he'd be the best center in the league! Just needs to 'bring it' (sorry couldnt help myself) every second he is out there

Reply #447643 | Report this post


paul  
Years ago

Indeed.

He had a dominant mindset for much of last season at the defensive end which has only popped up in patches this year. Maybe the soft calls at the start of the season have made him a bit more tentative, but he needs to get back to that mindset to get NZ through this upcoming road stretch, as Abercrombie has done in recent games.

Reply #447657 | Report this post




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