‘Yelling at me’: US star in confrontation with legend as NBL finals explode

New Zealand Breakers star Parker Jackson-Cartwright confronted an NBL legend in a heated exchange after the furious star kept his season alive.

The NBL finals tipped off with some serious spice on Wednesday night when New Zealand Breakers star Parker Jackson-Cartwright confronted a commentator on the sideline in tense scenes.

The Breakers defeated the Sydney Kings 83-76 to eliminate the two-time defending NBL champions from finals in the sudden death play-in qualifier.

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Jackson-Cartwright had 34 points, five rebounds and six assists — and sealed the game with a dagger three-pointer to put the Breakers up by seven points with 40 seconds remaining.

The American import was fired up, screaming in jubilation when the final buzzer sounded as the Breakers kept their season alive.

Jackson-Cartwright sprinted over to ESPN’s commentary bench and had some choice words for expert commentator and NBL legend Derek Rucker, who had the American way down his list of the NBL’s top 15 players released pre-finals.

“PJC yelling at me,” Rucker said in commentary.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright of the NZ Breakers celebrates with coach Mody Maort after victory in the NBL Play-In Qualifier match. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Rucker, who won the NBL’s MVP in 1990, compiled a list that raised eyebrows among Aussie basketball fans — especially ranking Jackson-Cartwright at No. 7, well behind teammate Anthony Lamb even though he’s played a lot more through the season.

Both Lamb and Jackson-Cartwright were named on the official All-NBL24 First Team.

what’s happening with pjc screaming at the commentators 😂

— Emma 🏀👩🏽‍💻 (@EmmaTurnerBA) February 28, 2024

Peter Jackson-Cartwright to Derek Rucker and the commentary team:#NBL24pic.twitter.com/koT8w4LnLq

— Dylan Trickey (@Dylan_Trickey) February 28, 2024

Didn’t love the PJC/NZ celebrations post game especially going after Rucker. Had Pat Bev/Minn play in vibes. Incredible player but only proved Rucker is living rent free in his head. Acting like they won the title. Bad energy. Haven’t even made it out of play ins yet #NBL24pic.twitter.com/deiHfwZPlP

— Karl Beston (@karlbeston) February 29, 2024

Commentator Jack Heverin said post-game: “He had that look in the eye all night long including after the game when he made his way over to where we sit.

“Well I don’t think he was too happy you had him at No. 7 in Derek Rucker’s top 15.”

“It could have been the top 15 rating at No. 7, which I thought was a good position for him considering he hasn’t played a full season,” Rucker said. “He didn’t think that.

“I don’t mind a player coming at me like that. That’s what it’s about. You want to see that fire. I don’t want to see passive players. Respect to Parker Jackson-Cartwright. He got it done.

“When you win, you grin. You stick your chest out and you’re a boss.”

Breakers coach Mody Maor quipped: “I am grateful for Derek and the way he ranked the players. I think Parker had something to prove.

“I don’t think he played so good,” he joked.

“I think we need to poke the bear again.”

PJC gave Derek Rucker both barrels. Photo: ESPN.

A masterclass in avoiding eye contact. Photo: ESPN.

Jackson-Cartwright told NBL media: “In no way was it my intention to disrespect anybody. I just felt that raw emotion.

“I’d be lying if I said some external factors didn’t motivate me this week going into the game. You hear different things from different people and you don’t take light of it. It lights a fuel in you and I’m no different. I’m a competitor and I hear the talk and I let it motivate me.”

“I let it motivate me in practice with the work I put in and heading into the game, I guess it worked out for us.

“I would say it was one of my most aggressive games. I thought I had the right intention getting into the paint and creating for my teammates and myself.

“I’m still thinking about seven. Seven is good for me now and that’s going to motivate me for the rest of the way.”

Derek Rucker's top 15 NBL players.

He poked the bear. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

Rucker said: “If I had to go back right now and re-rank it with recency bias, I would probably have him at five, slightly ahead of Jaylen Adams at number six.

“I really respect the fact Parker may have taken affront to being ranked number seven, which in my opinion was a very good place for him to be in his first year in the league, but I totally get from his perspective how he’d be annoyed with being number seven in the league.

“I love how he plays with a chip on his shoulder, his aggression, and his mindset of ‘I’m the best player out here, I’m the reason why we’re good’. I get all of that.”

Jackson-Cartwright will get his next chance to prove the doubters wrong when the Breakers take on the Illawarra Hawks in the play-in game on Monday.

The Tasmania JackJumpers defeated the Hawks 92-76 on Wednesday to book their place in a playoff series against the Perth Wildcats.

The winner of the game between Illawarra and New Zealand will face title favourites Melbourne United in the other playoff series.

Originally published as ‘Yelling at me’: US star in confrontation with legend as NBL finals explode