Paul Henare demanded a big response and his side did not disappoint as the Breakers kicked off the new year with a confidence-boosting win over Cairns Taipans.

While it was by no means a perfect display, the Auckland outfit led from start to finish at Spark Arena, ahead by as much as 17 in second half before sealing a 82-69 victory in front of their biggest home crowd of the season of 5793.