Frustrated New Zealand Breakers coach Kevin Braswell has called on NBL officials to lighten up on Shawn Long after the import fouled out of the side's nerve-wracking 85-84 win against the Bullets at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
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The former NBA centre is battling to stay on court in his debut NBL season and again had scant minutes in Brisbane.
He is the league's fourth most penalised player behind Cairns's Alex Loughton, DJ Kennedy (Melbourne United) and Mika Vukona (Brisbane).
Long had 10 points and five rebounds in the thrilling victory, but he could have made a far greater contribution had he not fouled out for the second time this season.
It could be argued discipline is holding back the 206cm enforcer, who played 18 games for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017.
But his coach believes inconsistent rule interpretation is dulling Long's impact.
"I think he's been hard done (by) this league so far," Braswell said.
"The guy's averaging 17 minutes right now because he's in foul trouble every game. Some of the fouls that I see that he gets just aren't fouls.
"With our dominant centre not being able to play half the time, we're constantly in a battle."
With Long so far unable to contribute more minutes, the Breakers have found multiple ways to win.
Star guard Corey Webster was limited to seven points against the Bullets yet still the Auckland outfit had enough players stand up at critical moments.
Patrick Richard's 21 points, Tai Wesley's composure and Tom Abercrombie's cool finishing were vital.
If Long can stay out of the referees' sights, the Breakers could be the biggest threat to the league's pacesetting Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United.
"Imagine if the kid's playing 25-28 minutes, what we're going to do," Braswell said.
"It's blowing my mind right now. Almost every single game, Shawn's in foul trouble the first quarter.
"I'm frustrated. I love winning but my big guy can't play more than 15mins a game right now."
The Breakers' back-to-back wins in Round 5 - against Cairns and Brisbane - have given the fourth-placed side some breathing space ahead of a testing schedule.
While they will be confident at home on Friday against Melbourne United, two of their next three games are away against the Sydney Kings and Perth Wildcats.
Australian Associated Press
