Koponen wants spark after slow start

New Zealand Breakers head coach Petteri Koponen was frank in his team’s assessment during Friday’s 104-95 season-opening loss to Brisbane.

During Friday’s post-game press conference, the Finnish mentor said he was disappointed to produce a performance like that in the Breakers' Hungry Jack’s NBL26 home-opener.

“We didn’t play well and couldn’t find our rhythm at all, not helped by the fact we didn’t shoot the ball well,” Koponen said, among praising the play of athletic forward Carlin Davison in the defeat.

“The biggest issue was on defence, conceding 104 points is not good enough, and we simply didn’t have the effort and made too many mistakes on that end of the floor.

“During the pre-season, we talked about being that team that made others uncomfortable, but we didn’t bring the energy enough to sustain that.”

As is the beauty of the NBL, the Breakers, who recently won their first-ever CODE Sports NBL Blitz trophy, will have the chance to make amends and secure their first victory of the campaign when they travel to John Cain Arena on Sunday, to face Melbourne United.

“[On Sunday] it’s important we take care of the ball and make some more shots than we did on Friday,” Koponen continued.

“Melbourne was very good during the pre-season and we know how they like to play, having five solid defensive players on the court at the same time.

“It’s an aspect we’re trying to instil, but we’re not quite there yet.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but if we recover, both physically and mentally, and come with an attitude ready to fight, we’ll give ourselves a chance.

“Overall though, we’re getting better, step-by-step and building that chemistry.”

Sunday’s fixture, which will see the Breakers be without big man Sam Mennenga due to concussion protocols, tips off at 2.30pm AEST via ESPN and Channel 10.