Parker Jackson-Cartwright of the Breakers \challenges Justin Robinson of the Hawks during the round 19 ANBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena, on Friday, February 09, 2024. Photo: David Rowland / www.photosport.nz Photo: David Rowland
The Breakers kept their NBL basketball playoff hopes alive with an 88-85 win against the Illawarra Hawks, in their first game since standout Anthony Lamb was sidelined with an Achilles injury.
Breakers point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright stepped up to lead the way scoring 31 points in the thriller despite losing their NBA star, Lamb, for the rest of the season.
The Hawks had no answer to Jackson-Cartwright's speedy playmaking ability which included seven assists and four rebounds.
The win lifted the Aucklanders from seventh to fifth on the ladder.
In a swift turnaround the Breakers take on Melbourne United on Sunday in Melbourne.
NZ Breakers 88 (Parker Jackson-Cartwright 31 points, Will McDowell-White 16)
Illawarra Hawks 85 (Tyler Harvey 22 points, Sam Froling 16)