Cedric Jackson top scored with 22 points as the New Zealand Breakers held off a brave third-quarter fightback to beat the Cairns Taipans 86-71 and take a 1-0 lead in the NBL grand final series.
The Taipans returned to the grand final for the first time since 2011 - where they lost to the Breakers - on the back of winning the NBL minor premiership for the first time in their history.
A semi-final victory over defending champions Perth Wildcats ensured home-court advantage for Aaron Fearne's men in games one and three of the best-of-three series.
However, the home fans were left stunned at half-time as, flanked by the excellent Jackson, the three-time champions Breakers stormed into a 50-34 lead at the Cairns Convention Centre.
The momentum appeared to swing back in the favour of the hosts in the third quarter, though, as accurate shooting from the likes of captain Cameron Gliddon (13 points, nine rebounds) and Scottie Wilbekin (16 points, three assists) cut the score to within just one point.
But the Breakers soon snuffed out the threat, outscoring the Taipans 25-11 in the final quarter to take the initiative ahead of their return to home court in Sunday's game two clash at the North Shore Events Centre.