New Zealand Breakers guard Kirk Penney has shaken off the stomach virus which kept him quiet in their NBL season opener.
Now he is ready to bounce back in the round two clash against the Sydney Kings.
Nailing just 41 per cent of their attempted field goals, the Breakers fell 82-71 to the Cairns Taipans in Auckland, with Penney contributing a low-key seven points from 26 minutes on court.
Breakers coach Paul Henare has a full roster to select from for Friday's clash, and says it's not only Penney who has something to prove.
"It's important to have Kirk firing, but it's not the be-all and end-all," Henare said.
"Across the board we had several guys that played below expectations, I know that Kirk and several guys are looking to bounce back.
"This is a roster with plenty of depth and talent in all positions, I have no doubt they will bring it against the Kings."
Penney said while it was disappointing to start the season with a loss, he's confident the Breakers will lift against Sydney.
"We just want to get our first win as quickly as possible and keep that win column rolling," he said.
"We're just trying to come together as a team and find our rhythm out there.
"You don't have to focus on the score, just do the work at both ends of the court and the wins will come."
Friday is the first of two back-to-back clashes between the two teams, with a quirk in the draw seeing the Kings returning to Auckland next Thursday.
Sydney have been clocking up the air travel, with their 105-96 first-round defeat against Adelaide hot on the heels of their trip to the US and a loss to NBA side Utah Jazz.
The Kings have won just twice in 14 visits to Auckland, but have a star-studded line-up which includes former league MVP Kevin Lisch, star Boomers Jason Cadee and Brad Newley, and seasoned veterans Todd Blanchfield and Tom Garlepp.
