On March 16, 2025, Melbourne United achieved a thrilling victory against Illawarra Hawks, winning 83-77 and taking the lead 2-1 in the NBL Championship Series. The game, held at the WIN Entertainment Centre, showcased incredible talent and resilience from both teams, culminating in one of the most memorable matchups of the playoffs.
From the outset, the atmosphere was electric as fans filled the arena, eager to witness whether the Hawks could capitalize on their home court advantage or if United would emerge triumphant once again. Tip-off was at 5:36 PM AEDT, and the match quickly became a tightly contested battle, underscoring the intense rivalry between these two teams.
Illawarra started strong, taking the lead early and holding off Melbourne throughout the first half. By halftime, the Hawks led narrowly at 42-41, as both teams fought diligently for control. The first two quarters saw strong contributions from Davo Hickey and Darius Days, who both played pivotal roles for the Hawks.
Notably, Illawarra opened the second half with momentum, attempting to extend their advantage. They executed well, going on a 16-0 run, inspired by Darius Days' impressive performance. With their fans roaring, the Hawks seemingly had the upper hand, leading by 10 points early in the fourth quarter.
Despite the initial momentum, Melbourne United was not to be underestimated. Led by Matthew Dellavedova, who showcased his exceptional skillset, the team rallied back. Dellavedova scored 12 of his 16 points during the second half and distributed 11 assists, demonstrating his value both as a playmaker and as a scoring threat. His performance was key to United’s success, particularly when they faced adversity.
Jack White also made his mark on the game, rebounding from being scoreless in Game 2 to finishing Game 3 with 20 points, shooting 8-9 from the field and 3-4 from three-point range. His early contributions set the tone for United and provided them with the firepower necessary to mount their comeback.
The game reached its defining moment as United launched a decisive 20-4 run, emphasizing their defensive prowess. Melbourne limited the Hawks to only 10 points during the fourth quarter, demonstrating their ability to step up under pressure. The failure of the Hawks’ offense, particularly the performance of their star backcourt — including Trey Kell III, who injured his knee late — compounded their struggles.
Throughout the match, the tension was palpable. With each possession, every shot attempted, and every foul called, fans were on the edge of their seats. The Hawks saw their lead slip away, and with it, they lost what could have been momentum for their championship hopes.
Dallas Hickey finished as Illawarra's top scorer with 12 points, but the combined 17 points from Kell and Tyler Harvey, who had been instrumental in previous games, fell short, highlighting United's effective defensive strategy. Meanwhile, Chris Goulding contributed 14 points for Melbourne, proving once again his quick decision-making and shot-making ability under pressure.
Melbourne's victory sets up the stakes for Game 4, scheduled for March 19, 2025, at John Cain Arena. If United manages to secure another win, they will clinch their first championship since 2021, completing their remarkable turnaround after facing tough competition on the road. The dramatic twists of the series have kept fans enthralled, and all eyes will be on how the Hawks respond to this pivotal defeat and if they can rebound to extend the series.
With everything on the line, including the potential absence of Kell due to his injury, the Hawks must regroup quickly. They have proven resilient throughout the series, and the fast-paced dynamics of the NBL are always unpredictable. Will they find the strength to push back against the considerable challenge presented by Melbourne? Fans can only wait and see how it all plays out.