David Johnson has fired Tasmania to within reach of an NBL finals play-in spot, scoring 33 points and hitting the game-winning triple in a two-point defeat of New Zealand.
Sunday’s 91-89 victory shot the JackJumpers (13-17) two wins clear of the Breakers (11-18) in sixth.
Victory swung them ahead of the Breakers into the final play-in spot and leaves Scott Roth’s men needing one win from their final three games to cement a post-season berth.
David Johnson is on track to score 40 👀The @JackJumpers star scored 22 points in the first half 😤Watch live on ESPN & 10 📺 pic.twitter.com/XjPvGRhj8N— NBL (@NBL) February 1, 2026
The Breakers, who have four regular-season games remaining, as well as the Ignite Cup final, didn’t lead until Parker Jackson-Cartwright (14 points, seven rebounds, five assists) got to the rim with 90 seconds to play.
The lead changed twice more, before Roth called a time-out and Johnson was given enough space to drain the match-winner.
Jackson-Cartwright had the ball inside the final 10 seconds before settling for a tough three-pointer that bounced off the front of the rim.
MAJOK DENG ‼️Watch live on ESPN & 10 📺 pic.twitter.com/tVUpjPuSHI— NBL (@NBL) February 1, 2026
Johnson made seven-of-11 triples as the JackJumpers found their best offensive form of the season and brushed off a shock loss to Cairns earlier in the round.
Josh Bannan (16 points, 11 rebounds, five assists) was busy for the hosts while Majok Deng had 17 points and two blocks.
Breakers import Izaiah Brockington (24 points, seven rebounds) led the scoring for the visitors, who surged from as far back as 12 points to ensure a nervy finish.
