Edwards has 22 points in 21 minutes on 90% FG

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Dutchman Jesse Edwards is flying high after scoring 22 points (9-from-10) in just 21 minutes as (2-0) Melbourne United hammered (0-2) New Zealand Breakers 114-82 at John Cain Arena in round 1 of NBL26.

Edwards, 25, was outstanding. He added four rebounds, a steal and two blocks.

It was a tough road trip for the Breakers. Parker Jackson-Cartwright played only 14 minutes because of a rib injury and bigman Sam Mennenga was ruled out with concussion during the loss to the Brisbane Bullets on Thursday, September 18 in New Zealand while Melbourne United star Chris Goulding is still out with quad injury.

Key Details

• Result: Melbourne United 114 def. New Zealand Breakers 82
• When: September 21, 2025
• Where: John Cain Arena, Melbourne

By the Numbers

• Jesse Edwards (Melbourne United) starred with 22 points, six rebounds and two blocks in 21 minutes.
• Izaiah Brockington (New Zealand Breakers) scored 21 points and had six rebounds in 29 minutes.

What Happened

Melbourne United established dominance from the opening tip, racing to a 34-15 first-quarter advantage. Though the Breakers showed improved resistance in the second period (21-18), United maintained a commanding 55-33 halftime lead. The home side continued their offensive onslaught in the third quarter, outscoring New Zealand 34-22 before closing out with a 25-27 final period.

United's offensive efficiency proved unstoppable throughout the contest. The home team shot an outstanding 51.85% from the field (42-from-81) compared to the Breakers' 39.47% (30-from-76). While Melbourne struggled from beyond the arc (8-from-32 for 25%), their interior dominance more than compensated.

Jesse Edwards showcased exceptional efficiency, converting 9-from-10 field goal attempts (90%) for his team-high 22 points. Milton Doyle added 15 points including four triples, while complementing his scoring with six assists. Tanner Krebs (16 points) and Dash Daniels (14 points) provided valuable scoring contributions off the bench, highlighting United's superior depth.

For the Breakers, Izaiah Brockington worked tirelessly for his 21 points but needed 19 field goal attempts to reach that mark. Rob Baker II added 17 points off the bench including four three-pointers, while Karim Lopez contributed 14 points on efficient shooting (6-from-8).

Melbourne's ball movement proved decisive, generating 29 assists to New Zealand's 19. Captain Shea Ili orchestrated the offense masterfully with eight assists, while the team's disruptive defense forced 17 Breaker turnovers (converting many into transition opportunities). United's balanced attack saw six players score in double figures, overwhelming a New Zealand side that couldn't match their firepower or execution.

The comprehensive victory establishes Melbourne United as early championship contenders in NBL26, while the Breakers face an immediate challenge to regroup after a disappointing 0-2 start to the season.