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Breaker's standout player Brockington shines during their undefeated run at the NBL Blitz tournament

New Zealand Breakers triumph in the initial showcase of the NBL Blitz pre-season tournament.

Breakers, undefeated in the NBL Blitz, shine with Brockington's stellar performance
Breakers, undefeated in the NBL Blitz, shine with Brockington's stellar performance

Breaker's standout player Brockington shines during their undefeated run at the NBL Blitz tournament

The New Zealand Breakers have claimed victory in the NBL Blitz tournament, remaining unbeaten throughout the pre-season competition. In the final game, the Breakers defeated the Cairns Taipans with a convincing 94-75 score.

Reuben Te Rangi top-scored for New Zealand with 20 points, while Brockington and Sam Mennenga had 18 points each. However, star guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright played less than four minutes against Cairns due to a rib injury.

The Breakers' victory is particularly impressive given that they were without returning veteran Rob Loe, new import forward Rob Baker, and Next Star Karim Lopez. Despite their absence, the team managed to win the Loggins-Bruton Cup and finish above the Tasmania JackJumpers based on the Blitz points system.

Meanwhile, in another part of the competition, South East Melbourne showcased their attacking firepower, setting a new record with 19 three-pointers in a 102-81 victory over Sydney. John Brown III, the Phoenix's new import, scored 4 points in his first game, while John Brown, a new signing, scored 13 points in his debut.

Sydney finished the NBL Blitz in last place, with a 0-2 record. In contrast, Cairns also finished the tournament with a 0-2 record, with Jack McVeigh, a star signing for the team, kept quiet with just 9 points. Kody Stattman had 15 points for Cairns, and Alex Higgins-Titsha finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds. DJ Mitchell added 11 points and five rebounds for the Kings, and Angus Glover top-scored for the Kings with 20 points, making 6 out of 10 three-pointers.

Unfortunately, the tournament was marred by an incident involving Adelaide 36ers centre Ben Griscti, who was injured when a backboard fell on him during training. Griscti was taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance and is in stable condition. The league is currently investigating the incident.

The NBL regular season will start on September 18, with Tasmania hosting Melbourne United in Hobart. American import Izaiah Brockington, who starred in the NBL Blitz tournament, winning the Ray Borner Trophy as MVP, will be one to watch in the upcoming season.

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