Jackson-Cartwright's historic display

It was a night to remember for New Zealand Breakers superstar Parker Jackson-Cartwright.

Not only did the Breakers chalk up their first win of the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season, defeating Illawarra 117-88 at Spark Arena.

But the 30-year-old American, who admits this is the best he's felt all season, also dished out an incredible 17 assists, which is both a Breakers all-time record and the equal-most ever handed out in the 40-minute era of the NBL, tying Damian Keogh's 1983 mark.

"It's fun for me to be able to use my advantage, using my speed and get out in the open floor and hitting the paint and playmaking for my teammates," Jackson-Cartwright said in the post-game press conference.

"Over the course of my career, I believe that's what I've done really well and this [situation] is no different.

"[Creating for others] and exploiting advantages is what I do best."

Coach Petteri Koponen, whose team ended a four-game skid with the Ignite Cup win, explained how it was great to have the 'old Parker back' after an injury-plagued start to the season.

"This [performance] is the identity we've been looking for [through the early part of the season]," Koponen said.

"[A big part of that] was getting this guy [Jackson-Cartwright] back, this was the first time it seemed like the old Parker with the pace and setting the tone.

"It was an amazing game [by him], finding teammates, getting into the paint and it was a very solid 40 minutes all-around."

As well as handing out 17 dimes, Jackson-Cartwright, who is in his third season with the Auckland-based franchise, added 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals.

The Breakers next play South East Melbourne on Sunday at Spark Arena, tipping off at 2.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN, Channel 10 and Sky Sports.