Corey Webster has made an immediate impact on return to the NBL, scoring 22 points for the New Zealand Breakers in their 74-62 win over the Sydney Kings in Auckland.
The sweet-shooting guard wasn't at his accurate best after an unsuccessful NBA trial in the United States but produced enough to suggest he can spark a revival for the defending champions.
After losing three of their first four games, the Breakers were more fluent at times with Webster and point guard Cedric Jackson running the offence.
Webster, who was released last week by the New Orleans Pelicans, shot nine of 22 from the field but was cold from outside the three-point line, landing one of six.
Forward Tom Abercrombie unleashed a strong second half, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds while Jackson and Tai Wesley both sunk 11 points.
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It was a third successive loss for the Kings (1-3), who were playing their first game on the road.
They trailed by 13 points late in the second quarter before launching a revival.
However, they were held at arm's length over the final stanza by a Breakers side who dominated the rebound count 48-24 but were let down by a whopping 27 turnovers.
The Breakers, whose next game is home to Cairns in a week's time, have won both their games in Auckland this season but lost all three on the road.
The Kings, who are home to Adelaide on Friday, were led by 18 points from guard Marcus Thornton while Jason Cadee and Julian Khazzouh both scored 13.
