Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Look to Take Out Throwdown Series for NBL23

South East Melbourne Phoenix are currently 2-1 for Throwdowns this season and will hope to take out the series for the first time when they meet Melbourne United Thursday night for Throwdown XX.

Phoenix are coming off two big wins in Round 10 over the Illawarra Hawks and Adelaide 36ers, as they go into this round with two crucial games to continue their hunt towards securing a place in the finals.

United are coming off a tough last-minute loss to Perth Wildcats and will be out to get back on track.

(This is the final installment of Throwdowns for the NBL23 season.)

Key Details
MELBOURNE UNITED 6-11 (8th) v SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX 10-6 (3rd)
Where: John Cain Arena
When: Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm AEDT
Watch on ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel

The Line Up

Phoenix

Phoenix will have a full, healthy roster for Thursday night’s game.

United

United will look a little different to last time we met in Round 9, with Shea Ili and Isaac Humphries having re-joined the side over the last few games.

The Key Match Up

Trey Kell v Chris Goulding

Kell has been instrumental on both the offensive and defensive ends of the ball in his most recent games, particularly when he has the job on Goulding. Although, it will be a whole team effort to minimise Goulding’s impact. Last Throwdown he was kept to just 13 points and 33% from beyond the arc which was instrumental in Phoenix grabbing the win.

Goulding will need to find space out of the grasp of the Phoenix guards to make those important shots from deep he is known for. 

The History

Regular Season Head-to-Head:
South East Melbourne Phoenix 6-10 Melbourne United

Last time out – Rd 9, NBL23
Phoenix 78–72 United

Phoenix
Williams 18p
Browne 17p
Creek 16p

United
Rathan-Mayes 15p
Goulding 13p
Tucker 12p

(Kell and Goulding will be ones to watch for each side tonight.)

The Difference Makers

Gary Browne

Currently sitting first in assists in the league, Browne has proven he can make an impact at both ends of the court and hit the scoreboard when it counts, especially in low clock situations. If the Phoenix are to win tonight, they’ll need Browne at his best, finding teammates on the perimeter and inside where necessary. But if no options present, Browne is comfortable being the man in the big time moments.

Shea Ili

Ili recently returned to the court after suffering from concussion symptoms and is a big part of United’s chances of winning. He can work hard at both ends and will be a difference maker for United, especially on the defensive end.

Quotes

“They’ve got Shea Ili back, they’ve got Ice (Humphries) back. It would be awesome for Victorian basketball if we can sell out and have a really good contest.” – Simon Mitchell.

(Will Phoenix be able to win the Throwdown series for the first time tonight?)

Very limited tickets remain for Phoenix's Indigenous Round game in Gippsland on Sunday. CLICK HERE to secure your tickets.

Phoenix Media (15/12/22)