Throwdown VII to Take Rivalry to New Levels

Saturday night’s Throwdown between cross-town rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne United is shaping as the biggest clash in the matchup’s short history.

The conclusion of Round 10 on Monday night saw both Melbourne clubs sitting in the top three on the NBL ladder for the first time since the Phoenix’s inception.

It sets up the seventh instalment of the Throwdown as a blockbuster Saturday night at John Cain Arena with the Phoenix (third on the ladder) and United (second) each confident they can challenge for the title this year.

It will be a feast of star power across the floor, none bigger than potential Olympic teammates Ryan Broekhoff and Jock Landale hoping to will their respective teams over the line.

Broekhoff is preparing for his first Throwdown, having arrived in Melbourne just prior to the Phoenix’s overtime win over United on March 10 and watching on from the sidelines.

(The Phoenix are yet to be defeated since Broekhoff joined the team)

The Phoenix will enter Throwdown VII on the back of a franchise-best four-game winning streak.

“We’re definitely going into the game with confidence in how we’ve been playing but knowing it’s going to be a huge challenge and one we’re up for,” Broekhoff told RSN Radio.

The Boomers guard says their recent success is a result of contributions throughout the entire squad.

“I think it’s just the toughness throughout the whole group,” he said.

“On Saturday (against Adelaide), we didn’t play well for majority of the game but were able to hang tough, keep the game close and have that confidence in each other to be able to go on some runs and make things happen in crunch time.

“It’s a credit to guys being able to step up and guys who didn’t play much earlier in the season now being huge contributors and having that confidence from coach to put them in at those times.”

(Izayah Le'afa has been a revelation for the Phoenix in recent weeks)

The Throwdown has already built a storied history in the space of a few years, bookended by a famous Phoenix victory in their first NBL game and a courageous overtime win earlier this month.

United also hold their fair share of happy memories, winning the four heated contests between the Phoenix triumphs.

The game tips off at 8:00pm at John Cain Arena and tickets are still available.

TICKETS

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (24/03/2021)