NZ Breakers face a period without American centre Freddie Gillespie, after tempers spilled over in the final moments of a pre-season loss to Sydney Kings on Queensland's Gold Coast.
The Auckland-based Aussie NBL team were headed for a 90-79 defeat — their fourth in a so far winless build-up to the new season — when Gillespie approached Kings captain Shaun Bruce in midcourt and headbutted the guard to the floor.
The impact drew blood around Bruce's eye and a review by match officials saw Gillespie ejected from the game, with the incident referred to the game review panel and a suspension likely.
The Breakers had just seen a tightly contested game, which they led 65-62 into the fourth quarter, slip away from them late. They trailled only 79-76 with three minutes remaining, but Bruce hit a three-pointer and American forward Cam Oliver connected on a jumpshot over Gillespie to give the Kings an eight-point advantage.
When American guard Matt Mooney lost control of his dribble on offence, consigning the Breakers to a costly backcourt turnover, both teams wandered back towards the Breakers basket, and Gillespie and Bruce confronted each other in midcourt.
The Breakers centre seems head for suspension for an apparent headbutt. (Source: Supplied)
Playing without star guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, the Breakers enjoyed 25 points and eight assists from Mooney, including three three-pointers, while Gillespie had 13 points and three blocks, and Mojave King 13 points off the bench. They also lost Kiwi forward Max Darling to a leg injury, as he attempted a layup in the opening period.
They open their regular season account against Brisbane Bullets at Perth next Saturday.
Catch all Breakers games live on TVNZ and TVNZ+ during the 2024/25 ANBL season
SHARE ME