The Phoenix have suffered their first loss of the season at the Fire Pit, falling to cross-town rivals Melbourne United 83-92.
A sellout crowd of 10,175 packed out John Cain Arena, including Phoenix part-owners John Wall and Nick Kyrgios, with a toe-to-toe battle eventually going United's way, solidifying their spot atop the table.
<html><head></head><body><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en">How special is this game ball delivery! ?<br><br>Our owner <a href="https://twitter.com/RRome44?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RRome44</a> with two of our part-owners <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnWall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JohnWall</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> ? <a href="https://t.co/4RIEqrgbpy">pic.twitter.com/4RIEqrgbpy</a></p>— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1723550827556864025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></body></html>
Gary Browne was the standout, his incredible ball handing leading to four assists to pair with 16 points, with Craig Moller riding shotgun posting 12 points and nine rebounds.
<html><head></head><body><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en">Moller turning it up! ?<br><br>8?? points for the quarter so far! ?<br><br>? Watch on ESPN | Kayo Freebies | 10Peach | 10 Play <a href="https://t.co/IAajnWs38d">pic.twitter.com/IAajnWs38d</a></p>— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1723557917025345586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></body></html>
There were six lead changes throughout the contest, but Melbourne, through Chris Goulding (27 points), overcame the home side and didn't relinquish until the final buzzer.
Phoenix captain Mitch Creek continued his MVP-worthy run, 19 points and four rebounds par the course.
Despite being down by just one at the penultimate break, it'd be the final quarter that would prove decisive for United, outscoring the Phoenix by eight points and running away with the victory.
The Phoenix look towards to Adelaide and play the 36ers on Friday.
Creek, Sauce Team-Up
Alan Williams showed why he was up for MVP contention with a defensive block down one end over Jo Lual-Acuil that led to Creek ball handle and ended with a classic Williams floater.
<html><head></head><body><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en">Sauce said NO ?? Sauce said YES! ?<br><br>? Watch on ESPN ?? Kayo Freebies | 10Peach |10 Play <a href="https://t.co/6pLURlx1v3">pic.twitter.com/6pLURlx1v3</a></p>— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1723546534632104125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></body></html>
Niiiceee Garrrrryyy
Gary Browne was up to his old tricks, working hard defensively to find a point where United slipped; he stole the ball and led to a very nice bucket.
<html><head></head><body><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en">We’ll just take that, thank you! <br><br>Niiiiccceee Garrryyyy! ?<br><br>? Watch on ESPN | Kayo Freebies | 10Peach | 10 Play <a href="https://t.co/lNCGJLTx06">pic.twitter.com/lNCGJLTx06</a></p>— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1723554801173274792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></body></html>
Full-Time Stats
Creek: 19p/5r/2a
Browne: 16p/4r/4a/1stl
Williams: 14p/6r/3a/2blk
Moller: 12p/9r/1a/2stls/1blk
Cummings: 7p/3r/4a/2stls
Te Rangi: 5p/3r/1stl
Ayre: 4p/2r
Kenyon: 3p/1r
Johnson: 3p/4r/1blk
<html><head></head><body><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GWJWQ1vmn4A?si=pJ9sQkC_9cE0j0c-" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></body></html>
Phoenix return home on December 2 to take o the New Zealand Breakers. CLICK HERE to secure your seat.
