Anthony Lamb of the Breakers. Photo: Photosport
The weakened New Zealand Breakers have been pipped in the dying seconds 87-85 by the Sydney Kings in a rematch of last season's NBL grand final.
Trailing 55-44 at halftime in Sydney on Sunday night, the Breakers launched a second half comeback which fell painstakingly short as they slumped to a fifth loss in their first seven games.
An inspired Brears claimed the lead midway though the final quarter and were 85-82 ahead with less than three minutes on the clock but couldn't convert some key offensive plays over the final stretch.
An effective zone defence and the shooting American forward Anthony Lamb drove the fightback, with Lamb producing a game-high 29 points and seven rebounds, while compatriot Parker Jackson-Cartwright contributed 18.
However, they were without key American forward Zylan Cheatham, who remains sidelined by an injury picked up in the loss to Adelaide on October 26 which threatens to turn their early-season campaign into a major challenge.
Sitting second-last on the standings, the Breakers next face a challenging game away to the Perth Wildcats.