'Magic' Johnson pumps Breakers on seven threes

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David Johnson was a flamethrower, splashing his seventh three with just 13 seconds left to win it 91-89 for the Tasmania JackJumpers against the New Zealand Breakers in Round 19 of NBL26 in Hobart on Sunday, January 31, 2026.

Johnson, 24, torched the Breakers in a crucial playoff implication heavy clash, finishing with 33 points on 10-17 from the field, including 7-from-11 threes. in 33 minutes.

Tasmania is now 13-17 with three games to play, New Zealand 11-18 with four games to play and the defending champion Illawarra Hawks 10-18 with five to play.

Breakers star guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright had a chance to win it as the clock expired but his wing three went long.

Key Details

• Round: 19
• Result: Tasmania JackJumpers 91 def. New Zealand Breakers 89
• When: Saturday, 1st February 2026
• Where: MyState Bank Arena, Tasmania
• Standings

By the Numbers

• David Johnson (Tasmania JackJumpers) starred with 33 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in 35 minutes.
• Izaiah Brockington (New Zealand Breakers) scored 24 points, and had seven rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes.

What Happened

The JackJumpers established early control and never truly relinquished it despite the tough contest, leading by three after the first quarter and extending their advantage to six points at half-time. Tasmania maintained their momentum through the third period, taking a four-point buffer into the final quarter before weathering a determined Breakers fightback.

David Johnson was simply outstanding from downtown, connecting on 7-from-11 from beyond the arc to fuel Tasmania's offensive charge. His efficient 10-from-17 shooting from the field, combined with a perfect 6-from-7 from the charity stripe, proved the difference in a contest that remained competitive throughout. Josh Bannan provided stellar support with 16 points and a dominant 11 rebounds, while Majok Deng chipped in 17 points on solid 5-from-11 shooting.

The final quarter belonged to New Zealand, who outscored the hosts 18-13 in a desperate attempt to steal victory. Izaiah Brockington led the charge with exceptional efficiency, shooting 9-from-15 from the field including an impressive 6-from-7 from three-point range. Tai Webster added 15 points off the bench, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright orchestrated the offense with five assists despite a poor shooting night at 6-from-20 from the field.

Tasmania's superior ball movement proved crucial, recording 21 assists compared to New Zealand's 12 dimes. The JackJumpers also dominated from the foul line, converting at an outstanding 92.31% compared to the Breakers' 84.62%. Both teams struggled to control the defensive glass, with Tasmania collecting 38 boards to New Zealand's 39 in a closely contested rebounding battle.

The narrow two-point margin reflected how evenly matched these sides were, with four lead changes throughout the contest. Tasmania held the advantage for 38 minutes and 17 seconds, while New Zealand led for just 26 seconds, highlighting the JackJumpers' ability to maintain their composure under pressure and close out a hard-fought victory at home.