DREWITT'S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix Look Towards First Win in New Zealand

Key Details

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS (1-0) 3rd vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX (0-2) 10th
Where: Spark Arena, Auckland
When: Sunday, September 29 at 4:30pm AEST
Watch: Live and free on 10BOLD and 10Play and on ESPN via Kayo

The Phoenix will look to rectify their loss on Thursday night in Throwdown XXV when they travel to New Zealand to take on the Breakers on Sunday afternoon.

After taking it up to their crosstown rivals, Melbourne United, in game one for round two, the Phoenix fell short of getting their first win for the NBL25 season.

Import forward Matt Hurt was impressive from the first quarter, going 50% from beyond the arc and proving tough defensively. Co-captain Jordi Hunter also stepped up in his second game for his new side, contributing 17 points and working hard around the rim both offensively and defensively.

The big Hurt looking at home at the Fire Pit! 💪

Matt Hurt is our @goatbeer Player of the Game for Throwdown XXV! 💚 pic.twitter.com/dGDdBAjnBO

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) September 27, 2024

Head coach Mike Kelly knows the team isn’t where it needs to be defensively but is heading in the right direction for the Phoenix's new-look roster.

The New Zealand Breakers are coming off an impressive comeback win over the Brisbane Bullets from Hoopsfest. They will regain import Freddie Gillespie, who served a one-game ban after the Blitz.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will once again be without Matt Kenyon as he continues his recovery from a lacerated foot. He will be replaced by DP Luke Fennell.

Breakers

The Breakers regain import Freddie Gillespie after serving a one-match ban. 

KEEP AN EYE ON

Big Man Jordi Hunter

In just two games in the Phoenix green, Hunter has already shown why he was an integral pick-up for Mike Kelly's squad. Averaging 19 points and seven rebounds in two games, he will be a problem around the rim for the opposition when they come up against him. 

HISTORY

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 11-6 Breakers

Last time out – Rd16, NBL24
Phoenix 75-106 Breakers

Phoenix
Creek 27p
Gak 13p
Kenyon 7p 

Breakers
Lamb 31p
Rubstavicius 15p
Jackson-Cartwright 13p