How to watch & talking points: New Zealand v Sydney

New Zealand Breakers v Sydney Kings
Wednesday, December 3, 5.30pm AEDT
Claudelands Arena, Hamilton, New Zealand

How to watch‍

‍Watch every game live on ESPN.

>> How to watch ESPN

Tickets

>> Ticketing information

How to follow & live scores

‍Live scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.

>> Visit Game Centre | Download the free NBL App now

Talking points

Breakers zero in on Ignite Cup grand final
Sitting on top of the Ignite Cup table, with two wins and 13 points to their names, are the New Zealand Breakers.

Mix in the fact that they have won seven quarters and positive points differential (+58), the Breakers could all but secure a spot in the inaugural decider with victory over Sydney on Wednesday.

Having already won the CODE Sports NBL Blitz trophy, could Petteri Koponen’s side secure the first two pieces of silverware on offer this season?

Kings’ response?
Just when it felt like the Sydney Kings’ season was all coming together, thanks to four straight wins, Brian Goorjian’s side lost to the JackJumpers just before the FIBA Break (marking their third loss to Tasmania in NBL26).

Now with more than a week to plan for New Zealand, the Kings will be desperate to return to the winners’ circle and continue their finals push.

A big part of that will be who helps star Kendric Davis in the ball-handling department, with both Matthew Dellavedova (illness) and Shaun Bruce (calf) sidelined.

What they’re saying

Breakers coach Petteri Koponen on facing the Kings:
“That win against Cairns was vital for our team’s belie.

“We showed the character we need, and now the challenge is to maintain that intensity after the international break.

“We are coming up against a quality opponent in the Sydney Kings, and with the Ignite Cup on the line, there is no room for error.”

Kings coach Brian Goorjian on playing without Matthew Dellavedova:
“I think one of the things in this league is if you sit here and complain about injuries you can get laughed at, because everyone is dealing with it in a big way, but he is a really important piece for us and we are excited to get him back.

“Man, there was a lot of pressure on Kendric [last game]. Could not take him off the floor really. He carried a very heavy load.

“The Delly factor … [last game] we just had to play Kendric into the ground and the ball in his hand the whole time and just that piece that he (Dellavedova) adds to us in an environment like that in the pressure like that.”

Missing in action

New Zealand
Izayah Le’Afa – Foot – Season
Max Darling – Eye – Round 17‍

Sydney
Keli Leaupepe – Knee – Season
Jason Spurgin – Foot – Late season
Matthew Dellavedova – Illness – TBC
Shaun Bruce – Calf – TBCs

>> View full injury list