'Assertive' Prather has 31 as Bullets snap skid

• Brisbane moves to 10-11, snapping three-game losing streak
• Season all but over for the 8-13 Breakers
• Brisbane's Casey Prather puts up game-high 31

Casey Prather's herculean effort propelled the Brisbane Bullets to a crucial 83-74 victory (Game Centre) against the New Zealand Breakers at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Prather's 31-point masterclass, coupled with Matt Mooney's foul trouble and Tacko Fall's limited impact, proved the difference as the Bullets snapped their three-game losing streak and reignited their playoff hopes. Both teams were short-handed.

The match began as a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm amidst key absences. The Breakers, missing Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Mojave King, managed to stay within striking distance thanks to their offensive rebounding in the second quarter. However, the Bullets, led by Prather, gradually built their advantage.

The turning point came early in the second half when Mooney picked up his fourth foul, echoing his early exit in Sunday's loss to Perth. Brisbane seized the opportunity, extending their lead to eight points by the end of the third quarter. The Bullets' dominance on the offensive glass, particularly through Tyrell Harrison's six offensive rebounds, proved instrumental in maintaining their lead and securing the win.

Despite the victory, the Bullets' long-range shooting woes continued, with the team connecting on just 5-from-26. Prather himself struggled mightily from distance, making just 1-from-11 three-point attempts. However, his overall impact was undeniable, as he stuffed the stat sheet with 10 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks to complement his game-high 31 points.

"Tonight was another one of those nights where we had a lot going against the grain for us," said Bullets coach Justin Schueller.

"We needed someone to step up. I told him (Prather) I dreamt about him taking 40 shots — he only took 26. For him to come out with that assertive mindset was outstanding."

On the other side, Breakers coach Petteri Koponen lamented his team's offensive struggles.

"We had many empty possessions," Koponen said.

"We had some wide-open shots but couldn't score the ball. On the road, you need to play better basketball, and we weren't able to do that."

While Mooney managed to pour in 21 points in just 22 minutes before fouling out, the Breakers couldn't get Fall involved enough to make a significant impact.

The 7-foot-6 centre, who had dominated alongside Mooney in their previous outing against Perth, found himself limited by Brisbane's defensive strategy and his own foul trouble.

For Brisbane, the supporting cast stepped up admirably in the absence of Josh Adams, Keandre Cook, and Next Star Rocco Zikarsky. Tyrell Harrison recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Isaac White provided a much-needed spark from long range, hitting all three of his three-point attempts en route to 13 points.

Both teams now face quick turnarounds as they look to build on or bounce back from this result. The Breakers will travel to face the Illawarra Hawks, hoping to rediscover their offensive flow and keep their playoff aspirations alive. Meanwhile, the Bullets will journey to Gippsland for a clash with the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday, aiming to use this victory as a springboard for a late-season surge up the ladder.