Rhys Carter heads up court against the Breakers.

It has been a breakout season so far for Rhys Carter, but hitting the game-winning shot for the Dragons against the Breakers on Saturday night was easily the highlight.

Carter's long three with time expiring in overtime gave the Dragons a come-from-behind 115-112 victory in what was one of the best matches seen in the NBL for some time.

If you are thinking of players to take a game-winning shot in the Dragons line-up then you would most likely consider Joe Ingles, Mark Worthington or Tremmell Darden, but Carter knew he had the hot hand and that it was his time to step up.

"I was well overdue to hit a shot as it has been weeks and weeks of airballs and bricks for me," Carter said.

"I had been shooting the ball so well in drills in practice. Shooting 50 threes and making 45 and all kinds of stuff."

"But I just kept thinking it is going to come to a game at some stage and finally it was tonight."

"I used to be good at them (game-winning shots) in under 12's and under 14's. I was known for them back then in Sale (Victorian country town) because I used to hit them all the time."

"But in the NBL I have barely even been on the court at the end of a game like that. It is the great thing about our team. I was lucky to get a few early and I just threw it up."

It was unchartered territory for Carter, who until this season hasn't been a well known commodity in the NBL despite some impressive displays for Australian junior teams in the past.

Since making his debut with the Victoria Giants in 2003, Carter hasn't exactly set the world on fire in the NBL, but this season the 24-year-old is averaging a career best 8.67 points per game and could be the wildcard in the Dragons' playoff campaign.

Carter credits veteran coach Brian Goorjian and assistant Guy Molloy for giving him the chance to play and for helping him regain confidence after a mid-season lapse in form.

"My shot hasn't really been there (over the past month) and I have just been a bit on the back foot," Carter said.

"Goorj and Guy had a talk to me the other day and just said to go back and play some defence and try and get yourself set and try and work your way into the game."

"And that is what I tried to do tonight. I came out and tried to get a couple of steals and deflections early. I wanted to get a steal or get out and get a layup or something like that to get a bit of confidence."

Carter's 25-point haul against the Breakers was a career high for the 190cm point-guard, with his six three-point bombs also a personal best in the NBL.

With top spot on the NBL ladder now at the Dragons' mercy it is certainly exciting times for Carter and the rest of his team-mates as they attempt to win a first-ever Championship for the franchise.

And Carter knows that there is still plenty of improvement left in his side before the season is out.

"We are just going to get better," Carter said.

"We have got Donta (import Donta Smith) slowly working his way in and he was better again tonight with 13 points and five steals on defence."

"Six games left and we are on top. I have never been here before. It is exciting and we are definitely far from our best."