In 2010, the Breakers re-added Mika Vukona to their ranks, whilst adding former Utah State standout Gary Wilkinson to the mix alongside the returning Kevin Braswell. However, Penney was missing during pre-season and early on the regular season as he attempted to re-enter the NBA. The Breakers won their first five games of the season before losing 114–74 to the Wildcats in Perth. The Breakers finished the regular season with a 22–6 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the first seed. In the semi-finals, the Breakers lost Game 1 to the Perth Wildcats at home, before recovering to win the series 2–1, qualifying for their first ever NBL Grand Final. The Breakers met the Cairns Taipans in the championship round and coasted to an 85–67 win in Game 1 after leading by as much as 31 in the third-quarter. The teams then fought out a gripping Game 2 in Cairns. Tied 60–60 at the end of regulation and 73–73 at the end of the first overtime, it was Cairns who prevailed 85–81 to send the series to a third and deciding game. Back at home for Game 3 on 29 April 2011, the Breakers recorded a comfortable 71–53 win to claim their maiden NBL Championship, becoming the first New Zealand side to win a major Australian championship.