Bullets outlast NZ as Lash makes winning start

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Brisbane's "Stu Lash Era" has started with a tough 104-95 road win against a solid New Zealand Breakers revamped roster at Spark Arena in New Zealand.

Bullets forward Casey Prather's 27 points led the visitor's balanced attack in a contest featuring 26 lead changes.

But it didn't come without cost. Bullets veteran Mitch Norton crashed to the floor under the basket early in the game clutching his knee. He had to be helped to his feet and into the locker room. He didn't return.

Key Details

• Result: Brisbane Bullets 104 def. New Zealand Breakers 95
• When: September 19, 2025
• Where: Spark Arena, New Zealand
• Standings: NBL Standings

By the Numbers

• Casey Prather (Brisbane Bullets) starred with 27 points, two rebounds, one assist, one block, and two steals in 33 minutes.
• Parker Jackson-Cartwright (New Zealand Breakers) scored 16 points, and had five rebounds, 12 assists, and three steals in 30 minutes.

What Happened

The contest remained tightly contested throughout, with the teams trading baskets and neither able to establish dominance. Brisbane held a narrow 21-20 advantage after the first quarter and leading 46-44 at halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive as Brisbane outscored the Breakers 28-22, creating separation that the home team couldn't overcome. While New Zealand showed fight in the final period, Brisbane's offense remained potent, matching the Breakers' 29 points with 30 of their own to secure the nine-point victory.

Casey Prather delivered an outstanding performance for Brisbane, shooting an efficient 11-from-21 from the field including 4-from-8 from beyond the arc. His scoring punch was complemented by Tyrell Harrison's dominant interior presence, as the centre posted 24 points on stellar 8-from-11 shooting while grabbing 15 rebounds.

Brisbane's defensive pressure proved critical, forcing 16 Breakers turnovers while committing only eight themselves. The Bullets created 13 steals, with Jaylen Adams and Javon Freeman-Liberty combining for eight takeaways. This defensive intensity disrupted New Zealand's offensive flow despite Parker Jackson-Cartwright's 12 assists.

The difference came at the free throw line, where Brisbane capitalised on their opportunities, converting 20-from-25 attempts compared to New Zealand's 8-from-11. While the Breakers out rebounded the Bullets 42-34 and shot a respectable 51.9% from the field, their dismal 17.24% three-point shooting (5-from-29) proved costly against Brisbane's more balanced attack (10-from-25 for 40% from deep).