Maor Backs Breakers to Play Less 'Hero Ball'

"Hero ball" doesn’t work – especially not in the NBL. Hero ball is why the New Zealand Breakers fell to the Sydney Kings in Game 2, according to head coach Mody Maor.

The Breakers’ players tried to take the extra responsibility and try to be the match-winners for the right reasons though, according to their leader. Not because they wanted to be the star of the show, but because they cared so much – almost too much – about getting the right result.

“Heroes try to save the world,” Maor said. “They do it because they really care, and sometimes basketball players can do the same because they really want to win and help their team succeed.

“So they take it upon themselves to try and save the game.

“When you try and do that the basketball gods will not let you. It’s a team sport – you need to bring things together, as a unit, connected. We met a few challenges – the ball didn’t drop, the whistle didn’t go, they were making big shots.

“Everybody really wanting to win resulted in us not playing the way we want to play.”

The Breakers looked bereft of confidence when they walked off the floor following their Game 2 home defeat. Even with the Kings missing their two best players, they couldn’t replicate their Game 1 performance and all but put the series to bed.

No team has ever fought back from a 2-0 deficit in an NBL Championship Series, and Melbourne basketball legend Chris Anstey said Game 2 was as far as handed to the Breakers “on a platter”.

Maor says the preparation between Game 2 and Game 3 has been no different from after any other loss they’ve suffered this season.

“In human beings, feelings are part of it,” he said. “I don’t think the great ones don’t feel the emotions – I think they find ways to manage them.

“For me, it’s the routine of work.

“We had a normal week between a loss and another game. We reviewed film, decided what the adjustments are and then we go and teach.

“You do the things you need to do in order to be better next game.”

The Breakers take on the Kings in Game 3 of the NBL23 Championship Series tonight – Friday, March 10 – at 7:30pm AEDT.

The game will be broadcast live and free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies, and Sky Sports and Prime in New Zealand.