In a stunning display of resilience and determination, the South East Melbourne Phoenix have continued their remarkable NBL resurgence, pulling off another massive upset with an 88-62 demolition of the New Zealand Breakers on the road. The Thursday night clash at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena showcased the Phoenix’s newfound firepower and cohesion under interim head coach Sam Mackinnon.
Phoenix Rise from the Ashes
Just weeks ago, the Phoenix were reeling with a dismal 0-5 start to the season, resulting in the firing of head coach Mike Kelly. Enter Sam Mackinnon, who has ignited a spark in this once-struggling squad. Under Mackinnon’s guidance, the Phoenix have now rattled off two straight victories, including this statement win over the previously high-flying Breakers.
Hurt and Sobey Lead the Charge
Leading the Phoenix’s offensive onslaught were the dynamic duo of Matt Hurt and Nathan Sobey. Hurt, the league’s top scorer, poured in 19 points, while Sobey added 12 of his own as the Phoenix built an early double-digit lead that they would never relinquish. The pair’s scoring prowess and leadership set the tone for a complete team effort.
We came out with a lot of energy and intensity tonight. We knew we had to make a statement, and that’s exactly what we did. This team has so much potential, and we’re just scratching the surface.
– Matt Hurt, Phoenix forward
Depth and Defense Shine
While Hurt and Sobey led the scoring charge, it was the Phoenix’s depth and suffocating defense that truly sealed the victory. Angus Glover, Ben Ayre, and Joe Wieskamp all reached double-figures, combining for 37 points off the bench. This balanced attack kept the Breakers off-balance all night, as they struggled to find any offensive rhythm.
On the defensive end, the Phoenix were relentless, holding the Breakers to a season-low 62 points on just 38% shooting from the field. The Phoenix’s length and activity disrupted passing lanes, contested shots, and forced the Breakers into uncharacteristic turnovers. This suffocating defense has become a hallmark of Mackinnon’s coaching style.
Defense wins championships, and that’s been our focus since I took over. These guys have bought in, and it’s showing on the court. We’re playing with a new level of intensity and togetherness.
– Sam Mackinnon, Phoenix interim head coach
Breakers Struggle on Home Court
For the Breakers, this loss marks their first defeat on home court this season, a bitter pill to swallow for a team with championship aspirations. Despite valiant efforts from guards Parker Jackson-Cartwright (19 points) and Matt Mooney (11 points), the Breakers simply couldn’t match the Phoenix’s energy and execution.
Compounding matters for the Breakers was the ineffectiveness of starters Sam Mennenga, Jonah Bolden, and Karim Lopez, who combined for a paltry 14 points. This lack of production from key players exposed the Breakers’ reliance on their backcourt scoring and raised questions about their depth and resilience in the face of adversity.
Tough Road Ahead for Breakers
The loss drops the Breakers to 3-2 on the season, and the road ahead looks daunting. Six of their next seven games are away from the friendly confines of Christchurch, starting with a challenging matchup against the Sydney Kings on Sunday. How the Breakers respond to this adversity will be a true test of their character and championship mettle.
This is a wake-up call for us. We got punched in the mouth tonight, and now we have to respond. Champions aren’t defined by how they handle success, but how they bounce back from defeat. We’ll be ready for the challenge ahead.
– Grant Anticevich, Breakers forward
Phoenix Rising Under Mackinnon
For the Phoenix, the future looks bright under the leadership of Sam Mackinnon. With a perfect 2-0 record since taking the helm, Mackinnon has quickly endeared himself to players and fans alike with his passionate, no-nonsense approach. The Phoenix will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday when they host the league-leading Illawarra Hawks.
While Mackinnon’s tenure as interim coach will come to an end after the Hawks game, with incoming American head coach Josh King set to take over, there’s no denying the impact he’s had on this team. Mackinnon has instilled a sense of belief, toughness, and unity that was sorely lacking in the early stages of the season.
Sam has been incredible for us. He’s brought a new energy, a new focus, and a new standard of accountability. We’re playing for each other, playing with pride, and most importantly, playing to win. That’s all a testament to Sam’s leadership.
– Nathan Sobey, Phoenix guard
A New Era for the Phoenix
As the Josh King era prepares to dawn in South East Melbourne, the Phoenix find themselves in a position few would have predicted just weeks ago – riding a wave of momentum and confidence, with a renewed sense of purpose and identity. The challenges will keep coming, with tough games against top teams like Illawarra and Sydney looming, but this Phoenix squad appears ready to rise from the ashes and compete with the NBL’s best.
The Phoenix’s transformation is a testament to the power of resilience, unity, and belief. From the brink of collapse to the cusp of contention, this team has shown that in the face of adversity, the only way to go is up. With a new coach, a new mindset, and a new lease on life, the sky’s the limit for these rising Phoenix.
