The Melbourne Tigers overcame two New Zealand comebacks and a stunning 50-point performance by Carlos Powell to remain on top of the NBL ladder with a 119-117 win.

Darryl McDonald's free throw with four seconds remaining snapped a 117-117 tie and Dave Thomas added another foul shot after the buzzer.

New Zealand twice rallied from seemingly impossible deficits and almost pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in history.

Melbourne led by 20 points in the third quarter and by 13 with three minutes left in the final term, but still needed McDonald to claim the win.

The Tigers saw their 20-point lead cut to just five at three-quarter time as Powell put on an incredible show for the Breakers.

Powell finished with 50 points and is a clear favourite to take MVP honours.

The Tigers weathered the Breakers' comeback and stretched their lead to 13 late in the term.

However a string of turnovers and missed foul shots gave NZ a chance.

Powell notched his 50th point with 19 seconds left to tie the scores, setting the scene for McDonald.

McDonald was fouled as he drove to the basket and his first free throw was enough to get Melbourne home.

McDonald finished with 21 points and 7 assists.

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