Reigning champions Canterbury Rams beat Nelson Giants in their season-opener on social media.
The 38-year-old has been instrumental in reversing the Breakers' fortunes as head coach.
The result ends Tom Abercrombie's NBL career after 429 games.
The guard was playing the final home game of her US college career.
"Once I walked into that locker room at halftime, I knew we were winning the game."
Mody Maor's side ended Sydney's hopes of an ANBL championship three-peat.
The Auckland team are used hardship, as they strive to survive.
Mody Maor has no argument with the bookies heading into Wednesday's contest against the Kings.
Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Anthony Lamb are the first Breakers players named in the All-NBL First Team since 2015.
The American import is in the running to become the third Breakers player to lift the league's most coveted individual prize.
Guard Will Mcdowall-White has aggravated a previous shoulder injury at the worst time.
The veteran forward will hang up his sneakers after 16 years.
With one game to play, the four-time champions can still mathematically miss out.
The San Antonio centre recorded the second treble of his career, but his first with blocks.
The veteran forward is the only player to feature in all six of the Breakers' championship appearances.
The six-year drought at Melbourne's John Cain Arena continues.
Israel went on to defeat Ireland 87-57.
Victory over Illawarra puts the Auckland-based team squarely in post-season contention.
The win moves the Breakers into the top four... for now.
The NBA superstar tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020.