The Breakers are searching for answers after returning to the bottom of the NBL ladder.
Tom Abercombie and Lamar Patterson look dejected as they leave the court following the Breakers' third round loss to the Adelaide 36ers. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021
The Cairns Taipans have reversed Saturday night's defeat to the Breakers, winning 84-69 in Cairns, to snap a six-game losing streak and leapfrog their opponents on the table.
Breakers coach Dan Shamir didn't hide his disappointment after the game.
"A bad game for us. We didn't have a lot of flow in our game, partially it is because of Taipans coverages. They came with a lot of switches that by definition takes a little bit of your flow," Shamir said.
"While we struggled there with shot making we were also a step slow in a lot of effort criteria, got behind the whole game and chased them."
The Breakers shot just 35% from the floor and made a meagre four of their 30 three point attempts.
"We're not ignoring we're struggling with shooting right now," Shamir said.
"We've got good shooters not really making shots right now. It's not the first game and I'm sure it will come. These guys didn't forget how to shoot."
Breakers coach Dan Shamir gives out instructions during a time-out. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021
Because of the shooting woes guards Tai and Corey Webster sat for the majority of the fourth quarter as Shamir turned to import Lamar Patterson to try and keep the Breakers in the game.
"When the team is struggling you look for anchors and it looks like you keep searching for the right line-ups and for the right balance.
"We have a lot of good pieces we just need to find a way.
"Last game was very positive for Lamar and we know what he can do. And also today the fourth quarter was very positive.
"But there are reasons for the fact that it's not an automatic go to and hopefully we will all get there."
Breakers coach Dan Shamir looks bemused about a decision in their round three defeat to the Adelaide 36ers. Photo: Photosport Ltd 2021
And Dan Shamir has refused to blame the Breakers' situation for their slow start to the season.
"The Breakers are going to face a tough few months. It's not easy to be [in your] hotel room all the time and away from your home.
"That's a fact and it's going to be tough and we know it and we prepared for it.
"It's definitely not a reason for anything. We played our fourth game today, after enough time together to produce something better than that."
The Breakers next visit the Sydney Kings on Friday night before the league goes into a bubble in Melbourne.