Keifer Sykes dropped 29 points for the Phoenix.
Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images
In just the franchise s second season, the Phoenix are in the box seat to snap up the last playoff spot on offer after retaining fourth place on a congested ladder with one game to play.
Import Sykes proved the difference on Saturday with 29 points - including 21 in the first half - along with seven rebounds and five assists to help the Phoenix overcome a Breakers fourth-quarter fightback and snap a two-game losing streak.
The Phoenix moved to a 19-16 season tally, ahead of fifth-placed Sydney Kings (18-17) and No.6-ranked Brisbane Bullets (17-17), who were playing each other on Saturday night.
SunLive - Concern over scarce accommodation for Fieldays sunlive.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sunlive.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.