The New Zealand Breakers have lost their spot on top of the Australian basketball league ladder, after the Cairns Taipans thrashed the champion Perth Wildcats 92-66 at home.
Cairns move above the Breakers into first place, and secure their first playoffs appearance since 2011.
The Breakers were upset 101-81 by the Sydney Kings at Auckland's Vector Arena on Friday night to open the door for the Taipans.
Josh Childress competes with Mika Vukona Photo: Photosport
Sydney also win the series over the Breakers, but only on points difference, after both teams won two games each.
Former NBA star Josh Childress top-scored with 28 points, while Cedric Jackson was ejected for arguing with the referees, but the American still top-scored for the hosts with 21 points.
Cedric Jackson reacts after being ejected at Vector Arena Photo: Photosport
The Breakers, who had won five straight games, can now be overtaken at the top of the NBL ladder if the second-placed Cairns Taipans beat the visiting Perth Wildcats on Saturday night.
Perth beat the Townsville Crocodiles 93-85 in overtime on Friday night, while the Adelaide 36ers beat the Wollongong Hawks 89-85 on the road.
