By Grant Chapman, Pagemasters

The three-time defending NBL champion New Zealand Breakers refuse to go quietly to the grave, keeping their improbable title defence alive with a 106-78 home victory over the playoff-contending Sydney Kings.

Needing to win their final two games of the regular season and hoping that other results go their way, the Breakers fulfilled their part of that equation alive with virtuoso performances from departing veteran CJ Bruton (14 points) and American Gary Wilkinson (30 points).

Bruton’s haul included nine straight points that gave titleholders their first double-figure advantage immediately after half-time and they never allowed the Kings any closer than eight from then on.

Centre AJ Ogilvy led Sydney with 25 points, while American Sam Young contributed 24 points and 13 rebounds.

Ben Madgen had Sydney quickly on top with a three-pointer to open the scoring, but when Reuben Te Rangi slotted from the corner, the home side had drawn level 13-13 after a quarter.

Te Rangi was on hand to put back an unsuccessful Wilkinson dunk to give the Breakers their first lead of the contest (16-15) and a Wilkinson three had them up by nine points moments later.

But with Ogilvy dominating the key, the Kings reeled off seven unanswered points to close within four (35-39) by half-time.

Wilkinson was on fire with 18 points by the break and his team had already forced their guests into 10 turnovers, while Sydney had converted their seven offensive rebounds into a 10-2 second-chance scoring advantage.

"At the start of the game, we came out really well," reflected Sydney coach Shane Heal.

"We held them to just 13 points, but missed a few shots and the opportunity to put the foot on their throat.

"We allowed them to stay in the game and score 26 points in the second quarter, and some of their guys got going."

In his final NSEC appearance, Bruton took command after the restart, putting the Breakers out by double figures with nine unanswered points.

"Obviously, CJ responded tonight," said Breakers coach Dean Vickerman.

"That little performance after half-time really broke the game open - he's picked his moments all throughout his career.

"When you talk about his legacy, the one thing I'll always remember about him is the confidence he brings to everyone else around him and he did it again tonight."

After conceding a 27-point turnaround in a loss to Melbourne last week, they were in no mood to capitulate again, out-scoring their rivals 39-22 down the stretch.

The Breakers continued to feed off the Kings’ errors, finishing with a 27-9 edge off turnovers and their bench outscored their counterparts 29-8.

American point guard Kerron Johnson brought up a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists for the home side.

"We are still playing for the playoffs," said Wilkinson.

"You never give up hope and crazier things have happened.

"But we decided to have fun and go back to basics, and just enjoyed playing with each other tonight."

New Zealand Breakers 106 (Wilkinson 30, Bruton 14, Abercrombie 14)
Sydney Kings 78 (Ogilvy 25, Young 24, Madgen 13)