VMT Match Preview: Phoenix and United Open NBL Season in Throwdown XXI

Key Details

MELBOURNE UNITED vs SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
Where: John Cain Arena
When: Thursday, September 28 at 7:30 AEST
Watch Live on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel

NBL23 Scoreline

South East Melbourne Phoenix 2 – 2 Melbourne United

Game 1 – Rd 6, NBL23 
Phoenix 85-110 United

Phoenix: Williams 30p, Creek 24p, Browne 16p
United: Goulding 30p, Humphries 20p, Ili 15p

Game 2 – Rd 7, NBL23
Phoenix 84-69 United

Phoenix: Creek 23p, Williams 18p, Browne 16p
United: Tucker 22p, Goulding 15p, Rathan-Mayes 13p

Game 3 – Rd 9, NBL23
Phoenix 78 – 72 United

Phoenix: Williams 18p, Browne 17p, Creek 16p
United: Rathan-Mayes 15p, Goulding 13p, Tucker 12p

Game 4 – Rd 11, NBL23
Phoenix 76-92 United

Phoenix: Creek 22p, Kell 16p, Browne 16p
United: Tucker 33p, Goulding 18p, Ili 8p

A sold-out Throwdown XXI will launch a major sporting weekend in Melbourne, with a new look squad on both teams playing in-front of NBA legend Scottie Pippen.

New head coach Mike Kelly will feature in his first game in the season proper, taking the reins of the Phoenix after a three-year stint at the helm of the Taipans.

Recently, the two Melbourne sides locked horns during the pre-season. Casey Stadium playing host to both Josh Giddey, and an incredible duel that went the distance, with United ultimately victorious by three points.

(Phoenix will be looking to start their season on a high with a Throwdown win.)

Teams 

Phoenix

Gary Browne will miss with hip soreness, replaced on the roster by development player Kody Stattmann.

Alan Williams won’t suit up as he continues to recover from a knee injury and will be replaced by Tyler Cook.

And with Gorjok Gak still on the comeback from an ankle injury, Anzac Rissetto will feature in Mike Kelly’s side. In good news, Matt Kenyon will suit up for his first game for Phoenix.

United

United will be without returning player Jo Lual-Acuil Jr who is recovering from a hand injury.

Ian Clark has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and replaced by development player Campbell Blogg.

Keep an Eye On

Tyler Cook

Cook has come in as Williams’ injury replacement and has already made an immediate impact for the side and in the NBL. He was the Blitz MVP using his NBA experience and averaging 21 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks.

He has easily become a fan favourite in the short amount of time and a perfect replacement with Williams’ and Gak on the sideline.

(Cook has made an immediate impact for the Phoenix as their injury replacement player for Williams.)

Matthew Dellavedova

Dellavedova returns to the NBL after a stint in the NBA. He has come back with a bang and experience for United especially with the loss of Xavier Rathan-Mayes.

We all remember the dunk from Mitch Creek over Dellavedova and there sure will be even more fight when he meets Creek and the Phoenix for NBL24.

History

Regular Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 6-11 United

Last time out – Rd 11, NBL23
Phoenix 76-92 United

Phoenix
Creek 22p
Kell 16p
Browne 16p

United
Tucker 33p
Goulding 18p
Ili 8p

>>Tickets are still available for Phoenix's home game on Sunday. CLICK HERE to secure your seats.