In a remarkable achievement, the NZ Breakers, coached by Petteri Koponen, triumphed over the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian Cup final, securing a 111-107 victory. This marks the first time in the team's history that they have won the NBL Ignite Cup, an accomplishment that Koponen celebrated as the best feeling in basketball. Starting the season with a completely new player roster, Koponen emphasized the hard work the team put in every day, underscoring their goal of winning something significant this season.

The Breakers faced a challenging match, entering as underdogs. Adelaide held a seven-point lead at halftime, but the Breakers rallied in the second half, with captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright scoring an impressive 29 points, including 23 in the second half alone. Both Izaiah Brockington and Sam Mennenga contributed significantly with 21 points each, demonstrating the team's resilience and determination under pressure. Koponen reflected on the ups and downs of the season, noting that their unity throughout the year was crucial to achieving this title.

Playing out of Auckland, the NZ Breakers are uniquely positioned as the only New Zealand team in the Australian NBL league. Currently sitting seventh in the league, the Breakers have won 14 games and lost 20 this season, signifying that while they faced challenges, this cup victory adds a much-needed highlight to their campaign and represents a stepping stone for the future success of the franchise.