Coach Kevin Braswell says the challenges aren't getting easier but they have to find a way to cut out the lapses in concentration costing them NBL games.
Shea Ili taking a penalty shot Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2018 www.photosport.nz
The Breakers dropped to a 4-7 record after losing in Perth on Sunday, their second defeat to the Wildcats over the weekend.
When the comp resumes after the break for international games, New Zealand will host the Sydney Kings on December 9.
But before then, Braswell has challenged his players to take responsibility for the manner in which they're losing.
"We have lost seven games now and have been in almost every game but have had a breakdown where you give up 10 points in three minutes," he said.
"(Against Perth) at home, we were tied 40-40 with 1.09 minutes to go in the second quarter and go in at half time at 47-40.
"With seven minutes to go, we're in the foul bonus. We have to stop doing it.
"I said to the guys to look in the mirror and see what you can do better. How do we fix that?"
On the road to Perth on Sunday, they kept the Wildcats to 35 points in the opening half. Bryce Cotton wasn't playing but he wasn't playing the second half either when Perth were allowed to score 56 points.
Having led by nine points at the last break, New Zealand added six fouls in the first 3.5 minutes of the final term, including three at the offensive end.
And while they still led 81-72 with 5.04 minutes remaining, they ultimately lost 86-91.
Perth's Jesse Wagstaff dropped 13 points in the last quarter and Terrico White eight. The Breakers couldn't stop them.
"We had no excuses," Braswell said.
"We had five guys foul out on Friday, so a lot of guys should have been fresh.
"My question is, when does that stop? When do we start making plays to make sure that doesn't happen?"
- AAP
