Bullets Open New Era with Statement Win Over Breakers in Auckland

Brisbane’s new era under rookie coach Stu Lash began in perfect fashion on Friday night, the Bullets overcoming the New Zealand Breakers 104–95 in Auckland behind inspired performances from Casey Prather, Tyrell Harrison, and Jaylen Adams.

Prather, a three-time NBL champion, wasted no time reminding the competition of his quality. He scored Brisbane’s first seven points and finished with 27, including four three-pointers, to set the tone for a night that offered plenty of encouragement for the club’s future. The veteran swingman looked sharp and aggressive, providing the kind of leadership the Bullets had lacked in recent seasons.

If Prather lit the spark, Harrison provided the muscle. The imposing centre dominated the paint with 24 points and 15 rebounds, bullying his way inside and creating constant problems for New Zealand’s defence. Adams, the 2022 league MVP, orchestrated effectively, contributing 14 points, seven assists, and six steals, while fellow import Javon Freeman-Liberty added 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. The blend of experience and athleticism proved too much for the Breakers, who struggled to execute at both ends of the court.

The hosts were their own worst enemies. New Zealand misfired badly from long range, connecting on just five of 29 attempts from beyond the arc, and compounded their woes with 16 turnovers. A disastrous sequence of three consecutive errors in the final term snuffed out any chance of a late revival.

New import Izaiah Brockington showed flashes with 16 points on debut, but never found a consistent rhythm. Parker Jackson-Cartwright also contributed 16 points and 12 assists, though his six turnovers summed up the Breakers’ erratic night. Sam Mennenga worked hard for 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while Rob Baker II produced 12 points and five boards in encouraging minutes off the bench. Veteran Reuben Te Rangi returned with 12 points, including two three-pointers, but there was little sustained pressure from a team that looked disjointed under fire.

For Brisbane, there was a downside to the win, with veteran guard Mitch Norton carried from the floor in the second quarter after a knee injury. The severity remains unclear, and the Bullets will hope the setback is not a major one for a player who brings stability to their rotation.

Lash, elevated from club advisor to head coach after Justin Schueller’s dismissal, could hardly have asked for a better start. The American imported talent with care, luring former Sydney Kings star Adams and athletic guard Freeman-Liberty to Brisbane. In Auckland, that trio combined seamlessly, showing signs of a group capable of climbing the ladder this season.

The match itself was tight for long periods. The first half saw 24 lead changes, neither side able to establish control. New Zealand looked to Alex Ducas, fresh from a stint with NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder, to spark their offence early. He delivered two quick triples and finished with 10 points and three assists, showing composure on the perimeter. Still, Brisbane’s energy eventually told.

Highlights came thick and fast. Freeman-Liberty produced a soaring fast-break dunk that underlined his athleticism, while moments later, Adams floated one home after Carlin Davison’s missed slam at the other end. That sequence gave the Bullets a two-point lead at half-time, a margin that would grow as Brisbane’s defence began to tighten.

By the late stages of the third quarter, the Bullets had found their rhythm. Harrison’s presence inside freed shooters on the perimeter, Prather continued to punish defensive lapses, and Adams dictated tempo. The Breakers pushed back through Mennenga and Jackson-Cartwright, but their poor shot selection and repeated turnovers stalled any momentum.

In the fourth, Brisbane controlled proceedings. Sam McDaniel chipped in 10 points and provided valuable minutes on the wing, while Adams and Freeman-Liberty closed out possessions with defensive stops. From there, the Bullets maintained a steady buffer, ensuring the final minutes played out without real drama.

The Breakers will need to regroup quickly. They face a short turnaround before travelling to Melbourne to face United at John Cain Arena on Sunday, a daunting task after Friday’s misfire. Brisbane remains on the road, heading north to Cairns next Friday before a clash with Adelaide on Sunday.

For now, Lash can take pride in a debut victory built on balance, aggression, and composure. Brisbane fans have reason to believe their side has turned a corner. With Prather looking revitalised, Harrison imposing in the paint, and Adams steadying the backcourt, the Bullets’ new era is off to a promising start.

Final score: Brisbane Bullets 104 defeated New Zealand Breakers 95.