Kirk Penney's sluggish start to the National Basketball League season is over, sinking 27 points as the revitalised New Zealand Breakers beat the Adelaide 36ers 119-93 in Auckland.
Penney had failed to impress in his return to the Breakers, who were on a three- run losing streak before the win.
But he had a hot hand from the outset on Saturday, particularly from three-point distance where he landed seven from eight shots.
Kirk Penney in action for the Breakers Photo: Photosport
Fellow-marksman Corey Webster wasn't far behind, notching 22 points as the Breakers finished with 57 per cent shooting from the field in a brilliant offensive display.
Their score was the highest 40-minute tally in the club's history.
Adelaide were also well beaten on the rebound stakes, 48 to 34, and failed to create sufficient space for star guard Jerome Randle.
The league-leading scorer was kept to seven points in the first half and finished with 20, playing second fiddle to team-mate Nathan Sobey's game-high 32.
Penney praised his teammates for providing plenty of chances.
"We needed that. We've been struggling offensively and tonight it just seemed to click. That one felt really good," Penney said.
"When you lose, you work pretty hard trying to get better. The boys were at a whole new intensity level tonight."
Other Breakers in double figures were Akil Mitchell (17), Tom Abercrombie (15) and Rob Loe (14).
The Breakers will travel to Australia to face Melbourne United on Friday.
- AAP
