The NZ Breakers have staved off elimination from the Australian NBL playoffs with a 93-89 game two win over the Perth Wildcats tonight.

A pair of step-back three-pointers inside the final two minutes from Sixth Man of the Year Kevin Braswell gave the Breakers the buffer they needed, then Paul Henare and Kirk Penney finished the game off from the foul-line, booking a series-deciding game three back at the North Shore Events Centre on Wednesday night.

Penney finished the game with a playoffs-high 38 points, going 9-of-20 from the field, 4-of-13 on threes and 16-of-20 from the free-throw line, including 6-of-10 in the final minute.

Out-scored by the Perth Wildcats 23-14 in the third period, the Breakers trailed 65-63 entering the fourth

Penney, who had 23 points in the first half, was held to just two points in the third as the Breakers shot 4-of-13 from the field and saw a seven-point halftime advantage turn into a two-point deficit.

The Breakers have committed 17 turnovers in three quarters and been dominated on the interior, on the wrong side of a 36-16 points in the paint count.

Penney scored 13 points in the second period as the Breakers extended their 25-22 first quarter lead to seven points, 49-42.

The Breakers capitalised on Perth's poor shooting percentages in the first half (37 percent from the field and 1-of-8 on threes) to lead for much of it. However, they have committed 10 turnovers and been out-scored 28-12 in points in the paint.

After missing his first three shot attempts, Penney finished the quarter with 10 points as the Breakers overcome a deficit mid-way through the period.

In a quarter dominated by fouls - with the Breakers commiting nine - the visitors showed an improved defensive intensity, playing a full-court press.

Forward Mika Vukona, who was not expected to play with a medial ligament strain in his right knee, came off the bench and provided a defensive spark for the Breakers, mixing it up in a push-and-shove with Jesse Wagstaff.

NZ Breakers 93 (Kirk Penney 38, Kevin Braswell 16, Gary Wilkinson 13, CJ Bruton 11) Perth Wildcats 89 (Mathew Knight 17)

- Stuff