Jack Toft
Years ago
Breakers v Taipans Oct 31
Opening up round 5, the Halloween Special.
On Monday night Taipans bch slapped Melbourne at home, a quick dip in the reef water, and next minute they are in Auckland ready to do the same to the Breakers. The Breakers lost to Melbourne, in Melbourne last round, but showed no mercy to the Hawks last Thursday absolutely demolishing them by 31 points and creating some really awkward conversations in the Gong...
I like the Breakers at home and I reckon these games are a little more loosely reffed to create a free flowing game. No quite street ball, but you know it's a tough court. Talking of tough, Rob Loe is out with a fractured skull and in comes Deng Deng who should excite the crowd. Deng would be out to excite the crowd looking for something a little more permanent, something he can sink his teeth into.
Cairns are the big surprise this year and are punching above the weight. I'm thinking their free flowing play will suit the Auckland refs, however Cairns always seem to shoot themselves in the foot clutching defeat from the jaws of victory time and time again. Cairns can drop their gun and then bring a knife to a gun fight. Just when you think they are going to treat you, they trick you.
Breakers are good at home, but the disruption with Loe could hurt them. Having a short turnaround with Cairns will be hard, but hey, it's not uncommon to have a 2 or 3 day gap in a round. I was impressed that Cairns finished well against Melbourne, but just have a gut feeling that New Zealand might just squeeze the pressure a bit forcing turnovers at critical times. Plenty of reasons for both teams to win, but Cairns are unlikely to be spooked by the Breakers and might just get this one.
