New Zealand Breakers coach Mody Maor could hardly hold back his emotions after the Kiwi franchise overcame Melbourne United to make the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
Having trailed United for much of the match, with an automatic semi-final berth on the line the Breakers stood up where it counted in front of a home crowd at Spark Arena to take the match 80-74.
Not only did the win break Melbourne’s five-match win streak but it also marked New Zealand’s 16th victory of the season, something Maor says has been a goal of his for a long time.
“16 wins has been up on my board for a very long time. It’s the No.1 goal, and I’m happy we accomplished it,” Maor said, per Stuff.
“You’ve kept asking me for a big part of the season, am I having fun? So I told myself when we get to 16 (wins) I’ll have fun for a little bit. I’ll enjoy it and tomorrow I’ll go back to regular and we’re on to the next one.”
History looked set to repeat itself early on as the Breakers struggled to contend with their trans-Tasman opponents, having lost their last three matches at the Auckland venue.
However, a late comeback from centre Rob Loe, who made 15 points, brought them back into the game.
“We stayed the course, and defended well throughout,” Maor said.
“We couldn’t make a shot … and it was just a matter of time before Rob Loe decided to make a few and break the game open. When he did we went on that run.
“It always comes from defence for us. We had a stretch there with 10 stops in a row, and that usually breaks games open.”
While the Breakers are hunting down second position on the NBL ladder, United’s finals prospects will be determined by the results of the two remaining matches of the weekend and their final regular season match against Adelaide next Sunday.
On the contest between the two sides on Saturday night, Maor says United is always a tough outfit to face, commending rival coach Dean Vikerman for his efforts in the latter part of the season.
“Playing Melbourne United is tough,” added Maor.
“That’s the best coach in the league over there. His team always competes, plays hard and does things the right way. They’ve had a phenomenal second part of the season.”
United had won five matches in a row before their Auckland loss and eight of their last nine overall.
The Breakers will now look to secure their 17th win of the season as they take on the Hawks on Thursday night at WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres.