In March 2017, the Breakers severed ties with long-time guard Corey Webster. They subsequently signed import guard combo D. J. Newbill and Édgar Sosa for the 2017–18 season. The Breakers started the season in hot form, going 6–1 after five rounds thanks to the selflessness of Newbill and Sosa. Back-up guard Shea Ili also impressed early, as he cemented his place as a contender for most improved honours. With a win over the Perth Wildcats on 9 November, the Breakers moved to a 7–1 record, tying their best start in franchise history. They went on to defeat Perth again three days later, moving them to an 8–1 record. They moved to 9–1 with a win over the Brisbane Bullets on 19 November, as they headed into the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification league-wide break atop the NBL ladder behind a nine-game win streak. However, the Breakers lost four out of their first five games following the break to drop to 10–5 following Round 10. After dropping to 11–6 heading into the new year, the Breakers signed former NBA player Rakeem Christmas in early January to bolster their squad. Despite this, they rounded out the month with a 13–9 record to sit in fourth place on the standings. They went on to finish the regular season with two defeats in the final round, earning them fourth place with a 15–13 record. They faced Melbourne United in the semi-finals, where they were defeated 2–0 following an 88–86 overtime loss in Game 2. Club legend Kirk Penney played his final NBL game in the Game 2 loss, finishing with a 17-point effort.