Brisbane hopes history can repeat in New Zealand this week when the Bullets return, licking their wounds following their latest National Basketball League loss, captain Derek Rucker said.

Brisbane surrendered second place on the NBL ladder on the Gold Coast on Sunday with an ugly 18-point loss to Cairns that snapped a six-game winning streak for the club enjoying its best start since 1998.

The Bullets have little time to reflect on a performance which lacked intensity, backing up against the New Zealand Breakers, in turmoil after coach Jeff Green's resignation, in Auckland on Wednesday night.

Rucker, however, is tipping the weekend defeat could prove a blessing in disguise.

"The last time we lost a game prior to this one was against Adelaide (one point) and I thought we really did a good job of learning from that loss," said Rucker.

"We really refocused and re-energised.

"We reeled off six straight wins after that and that's what we'd like to do again.

"It's unfortunate that you are going to drop games here and there but the real key is how you bounce back from those games and make sure you come back with a real solid effort."

Rucker will miss the Breakers clash with strained ankle ligaments.

His poise under pressure was sorely missing as the Bullets proved their own worst enemies at times when a cool head was needed.

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