In a stunning turn of events that sent shockwaves through the NBL, the New Zealand Breakers unleashed a merciless onslaught against a helpless Melbourne United, demolishing them 113-79 in a lopsided affair that few saw coming. The Monday night blockbuster at John Cain Arena, billed as a clash of the titans between the league’s top two teams, quickly devolved into a one-sided massacre as the Breakers stomped United 25-13 and 30-18 in a blistering first half display.
Mennenga, Jackson-Cartwright Shine in Breakers’ Blitz
Leading the charge for the rampant Breakers was center Sam Mennenga, who amassed a career-high 25 points in a dominant performance. Not to be outdone, superstar import guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright further enhanced his MVP credentials with a dazzling 23 points and 7 assists, orchestrating the Breakers’ relentless attack to perfection.
Even 17-year-old Mexican prodigy Karim Lopez got in on the act, tallying an impressive 17 points and 10 rebounds to notch another double-double, further cementing his status as a future NBA lottery pick. The Breakers shot a scorching 66% from the field and 57% from beyond the arc, while absolutely crushing United on the boards 46-25.
United’s Lone Bright Spot
Amid the carnage, the only Melbourne player to emerge with any semblance of dignity was unheralded Kiwi guard Flynn Cameron, who came off the bench to pour in 20 points. His teammates, however, largely failed to show up, with United’s vaunted starting five producing next to nothing as they misfired at a paltry 34% clip from the floor and an anemic 14% from three-point range.
“It was just one of those nights where everything clicked for us,” a elated Breakers coach confided post-game. “We knew we had to make a statement against Melbourne, and the boys delivered in spades. To do it on their home floor just makes it that much sweeter.”
No Let Up After the Break
If Melbourne harbored any hopes of a second-half fightback, they were swiftly extinguished as the Breakers refused to take their foot off the gas. By the time import Matthew Mooney drained a tough triple on the three-quarter time buzzer, New Zealand’s lead had ballooned to an insurmountable 84-52.
With the outcome well and truly decided, both benches emptied in the final period, allowing athletic Breakers reserve Kaia Isaac to bring the house down with a thunderous late dunk. To their credit, United avoided the ignominy of their heaviest ever defeat – a 37-point drubbing, also at the hands of the Breakers, back in 2016 – thanks chiefly to Cameron’s quartet of fourth-quarter triples.
A Season-Defining Win?
The victory, New Zealand’s first at John Cain Arena in three years, saw them further entrench their position atop the NBL ladder and stamp themselves as the team to beat in the 2024/25 championship race. For a shell-shocked United, it’s back to the drawing board after a chastening night that’s sure to leave scars.
As the dust settles on this seismic result, one thing is crystal clear: the Breakers are the real deal, and they’ve just put the rest of the league on notice. Melbourne will need to regroup quickly to keep their once promising season from slipping away, while the rampant Breakers can dare to dream of ending their seven-year title drought. On this night’s evidence, you wouldn’t bet against them.
