Rising star, steady hand: Age no barrier for Breakers

A scintillating performance from future NBA star Karim Lopez will understandably dominate the headlines from Friday’s win, but New Zealand Breakers coach Petteri Koponen was just as quick to highlight the unseen work of Rob Loe as a decisive factor.

At opposite ends of the roster age spectrum, 18-year-old Lopez and 34 year old Loe anchored the front court against Melbourne United in the absence of Sam Mennenga and Rob Baker II. Loe rose to the challenge, logging his most minutes of the season and finishing with 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals, while making an impact that went well beyond the box score.

Koponen believed that groundwork helped unlock Lopez, who delivered his best NBL performance with 32 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks, including 14 points in the final five minutes of the gripping 97-95 win.

"I have to give a big shoutout to Rob Loe and in this league you don't count the screen assists, and only in the NBA do they have that stat, but as a big man you know how you can help your guards and the other players with your screening," Koponen said.

"Rob Loe did a clinic with that tonight and after that connecting with side to side to make that easier for everybody, and then obviously Karim had an amazing game and had a big fourth quarter and was a big reason why we won."

While Lopez’s age continues to defy belief, Koponen was quick to stress the toughness required to get the job done and the reality of the road ahead.

"Obviously as an 18-year-old the things Karim can do are amazing but it was a gritty win, but there is no time to celebrate too much and in the morning we are straight to the airport and we keep fighting going straight to Tassie and will try to get another one."

Seeing Lopez take full control late was a clear sign of his growth, with Melbourne unable to find an answer as the game tightened. Koponen has no doubt moments like that mark an important step in the young star’s development.

"He was pretty good tonight and I'm happy for Karim and he's the guy who's there doing the extra, he's working towards his dreams and it's not easy and it's a marathon," Koponen said.

"Every day you have to keep working and sometimes you're going to get that prize sooner and sometimes later, but the only way is to keep working and have that right mindset."

"Sometimes during the games you don't get to those things, but I'm really happy for Karim tonight especially how he was able to take over the game in the last quarter and there was nobody that could stop him."

Lopez was simply pleased to rise to the moment when his team needed him most, helping push the Breakers a step closer to sixth spot.

"I think my mindset is pretty similar every game and I just try to be as aggressive as possible while playing in the flow of the offence, and just making right decisions," Lopez said.

"But I knew the situation we had and I knew I had to step up and that we needed that, so I was happy I was able to do that and that we got the win."

Lopez added that his attention remains firmly on the present, valuing wins and the experience in New Zealand above anything else right now.

"I'm really focused on the moment right now and hopefully this was a good, how do you even say it, good showing for them, but I just really enjoy playing here and enjoy winning games like this so I hope we can really make this playoffs and that's my main focus right now."