The Breakers celebrated their return home by beating the Tasmania JackJumpers 71-65 in the Australian National Basketball League.
Breakers celebrate Photo: PHOTOSPORT
NBA import Jarrell Brantley top scored with 19 points for the Breakers as they played their first game in Auckland in 489 days.
Two pandemic-ruined years forced New Zealand fans to go without NBL basketball and locals turned out in force with a crowd of 5340 packing out Spark Arena.
It was a bit of a grind at times and only 17 points were scored combined in the third quarter, but the locals didn't care as they saw what they hope will be the start of a bumper season for an athletic Breakers side.
Jarrell Brantley Photo: PHOTOSPORT
They were able to overcome a horror night on the glass to lead for almost every second of the game to open their account for the season and send last year's Grand Finalists to an 0-3 start after losses already to the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Cairns Taipans.
NBA import Jarrell Brantley was a tower of strength for the Breakers with 16 of his 19 points coming in the first half on a tremendously efficient 7/8 shooting from the field while hitting his two three-point attempts.
Izayah Le'afa was playing in front of family and friends in his first ever home game for the Breakers after spending the last six years away from home while at college and then at the Phoenix. He celebrated the occasion with 16 points and four rebounds.
Barry Brown Jr had his moments too for 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals while Rayan Rupert added seven points, Rob Loe seven points and seven rebounds, and Tom Vodanovich six points.
"It's huge to be home. You could feel the energy in the building," Loe said.
"Even before the game today, I took my son down to the playground and someone said "good luck" to me. You don't get that playing in Australia."
Breakers coach Mody Maor was relieved to get the win on such a big occasion.
"The best moment was after the game when everyone got to be with their families - everyone's families came down and you get to share the win with the people that you love," Maor said.
"If you ask me, I think this group had the weight of two years on their shoulders. I felt we controlled the first half and then the weight stuck on our shoulders but we hang our hat on our defence.
"That is what this team will be this year. The offence will come, the freedom will come and we saw that in glimpses in the first half. If we need to squeeze out wins like this, then by all means [we will]."
The Breakers, who lost their opening game of the season, play the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Melbourne next Saturday.