"It's nothing personal, it's basketball": NBL champ backs Koponen

The New Zealand Breakers' Hungry Jack's NBL26 Finals chances took another hit on Sunday, when they lost a thriller to Perth at Spark Arena.

A big part of the defeat, that drops the Breakers to 8-14, was their inability to defend, highlighted by them conceding 99 points to the competition's fifth-best offence.

This marks the third time in four matches the Breakers, who have the fifth-worst defensive rating in the NBL (111.5), have conceded 99 points in a game, all resulting in defeats.

An element that, according to New Zealand coach Petteri Koponen, is Rob Baker II's 'ability to guard'.

"With [Rob] Baker from the beginning of the season, [there have been questions about] can he guard? Today he showed he couldn't and Carlin [Davison] did a much better job [today]," Koponen said in Sunday's post-game press conference.

"It's nothing personal, it's basketball, where you can't just play at one end. Baker can make some shots, but at the same time, you have to be able to play defence. Today he couldn't and it wasn't the first time, as we've had problems guarding high level wings and three/fours in this league."

Darrell Comer, the agent of Baker, pushed back on the public comments made about the American import, who is averaging 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds, via Fox Sports.

“I am completely against the idea of players and coaches criticising each other negatively in the media,” Comer said to Fox Sports.

“The Breakers have a chance to win the Ignite Cup and make the playoffs. There’s no reason to poke holes in your own ship.

“Rob will continue to be a complete professional through this situation and work hard to help the team win when given the opportunity. I’m sure he’s motivated more than ever to step it up defensively.”

One who watched the whole Round 15 game at Spark Arena unfold was NBL commentator Damon Lowery, who backed Koponen's decision to play Davison over Baker.

"He (Koponen) said he (Baker) had a bad day on defence, which is facts and not a criticism," Lowery said on Monday's episode of NBL Now.

"He (Koponen) was asked a question about why Baker sat and it was because his defence was no good.

"[Honestly] during the game, it [the substitution] was a no-brainer. I called that sub the second that [Baker] conceded that second three-pointer to [Kristian] Doolittle. Up stepped Davison, who ended up shooting 100 per cent from the field and having a great game.

"He (Koponen) had a choice, go with the import who is not defending or the young guy who is defending. No brainer."

Fellow NBL Overtime panelist Pete Hooley also backed Koponen's decision, saying the Breakers need to start winning games, which all start on the defensive end.

"This wouldn't be the first time that Rob Baker would be hearing from coach Kop about the defensive issues,” Hooley said.

“I’m sure he’s told him that the team needs more from him defensively.

“Right now, they're a team who need to win games just to get in the top six, and he understands they are not going to be able to do it unless they can play defence.”

The eighth-placed Breakers next host Sydney on Friday from 5.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> ‘It’s nothing personal’: Head coach Petteri Koponen’s blunt message