'Not dead yet' Bullets keep playoff hopes alive

• Brisbane Bullets (11-15) within striking distance of sixth place
• New Zealand Breakers (9-17) post season hopes are gone
• Keandre Cook delivers game high 26 points

In a season-defining clash, the Brisbane Bullets kept their playoff hopes alive with a gutsy 93-87 victory against the New Zealand Breakers in Christchurch on Friday January 24, 2025 in round 18 of NBL25.

The dynamic duo of Casey Prather and Keandre Cook combined for a sizzling 50 points, including 10 three-pointers, to propel the Bullets to a crucial win that maintains their chance of securing a top-six finish.

The Breakers burst out of the gates with a 10-0 run, silencing the visiting Bullets and threatening to derail Brisbane's season. However, Prather and Cook had other ideas, igniting a 16-5 run that saw the Bullets snatch the lead late in the first quarter. From that point on, Brisbane never relinquished control, though the hosts made them sweat with a late surge that brought them within two points.

As the stakes continue to rise in the NBL's playoff race, both teams entered the contest knowing that a loss could spell the end of their postseason aspirations. The Bullets, reeling from a four-game losing streak and battling an injury crisis, welcomed back Deng Adel and Casey Prather, while also introducing newly signed Callum Dalton. Their timely returns proved crucial in overcoming the absence of key players Tyrell Harrison, Rocco Zikarsky, and Emmett Naar.

The first half was a showcase of sharpshooting brilliance from Prather and Cook, who combined for an astounding 8-of-17 from beyond the arc, amassing 32 points between them. Their hot hands propelled Brisbane to a 46-40 halftime advantage, despite New Zealand's dominance in free throw attempts.

The Breakers' inability to capitalise from the charity stripe, converting just 12 of 20 attempts, would ultimately prove costly.

The statistics tell a tale of two marksmen finding their range at the perfect moment. Cook finished with a game-high 26 points, including six assists, while Prather contributed 24 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Their efficiency from long range was the difference-maker, as the Bullets outgunned the Breakers from beyond the arc.

"The amount of adversity this group's faced, and to just keep pushing through it is incredible," Brisbane coach Justin Schueller said.

"You talk about how we're not dead yet... it could have easily been one of those you say, 'it's just too tough'.

"We got our swagger and our vibe back, just having bodies around."

For the Breakers, it was a night of missed opportunities, particularly at the free-throw line where they finished a disappointing 19-of-30. Matt Mooney led the charge with 24 points and four assists, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright added 19 points and nine assists before exiting with an apparent rib injury.

The imposing presence of Tacko Fall was felt early, but foul trouble limited his impact as he finished with 12 points and five rebounds.

New Zealand coach Petteri Koponen lamented the small details that cost his team. "We had our moments and that's it, those small details in the end," he reflected. "It's something we need to work on."

The road ahead remains challenging for both squads. The Bullets face a quick turnaround, hosting Melbourne United in their final home game of the season on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Breakers, now sitting at 9-17, travel to face the Adelaide 36ers as they cling to fading playoff hopes.

With the regular season winding down, every game takes on added significance. The Bullets' resilience in the face of adversity has breathed new life into their campaign, while the Breakers are left to ponder what might have been.

As the NBL's dramatic season hurtles towards its conclusion, the race for the final playoff spots promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.