Melbourne United has shown its prowess by defeating the Brisbane Bullets 115-88 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, marking a significant win as they maintain their position toward the top of the National Basketball League standings. This match, held on January 26, 2025, not only solidifies United’s strong campaign but also highlights the struggles faced by the injury-riddled Bullets.
United had come off a successful road trip, having previously secured impressive victories over the Perth Wildcats, and they were eager to capitalize on their recent success against Brisbane. The Bullets, on the other hand, were reeling from injuries, with Josh Bannan suffering from a concussion and several others sidelined.
Fans witnessed a competitive first quarter where both teams exchanged leads and finished the period tied at 26-26. Key players on both sides managed to find openings, but the Bullets initially held their ground well. Matthew Dellavedova opened scoring with early aggressiveness for United, contributing significantly as they battled for momentum.
Following the initial quarter of competition, Melbourne United roared back to life, delivering an electric performance during the second quarter. They partook in relentless pressure, leading to nine turnovers by the Bullets and transforming them effectively on the offensive end. The United squad poured on 35 points led by Ian Clark and Chris Goulding, who proved lethal from beyond the arc.
By halftime, Melbourne had built a commanding 61-40 lead, finishing the half on a 13-3 scoring run. Their defense was particularly stifling, allowing Brisbane to shoot only 5-for-16 during the second quarter, which became a turning point for the game. The gap continued to widen as United maintained their momentum, leading to one of their most emphatic victories of the season.
During the third quarter, Ian Clark caught fire with three triples, extending the lead to 26 points. The teams seemed to settle with Melbourne’s influential plays dominating the court. The star-studded roster, including Dellavedova and Goulding, ensured signs of Melbourne's title aspirations remained on full display.
Despite their injury woes, the Bullets found sparkle moments with Josh Adams showcasing his capabilities, leading the scoring for Brisbane with 23 points, providing flashes of skill but unable to shift the momentum against United. Tohi Smith-Milner and Casey Prather also made notable contributions with 16 and 15 points respectively. Yet their individual efforts could not thwart United’s cohesive team play.
With the lead swelling to as much as 31 points late in the game, Melbourne's package of impressive ball movement and high basketball IQ overwhelmed the Bullets' defense. United's bench contributed to the final score dominance, bringing fresh legs and energy on the court.
Going forward, Melbourne United’s victory propels them to 17-10 for the season, keeping them firmly planted in second place as they head back home for upcoming matches against the Tasmania JackJumpers. The Bullets, now sitting at 11-16, have only road matches left to secure their position for potential playoff contention.
This game has certainly provided United the confidence boost they needed, setting the stage for future clashes as they eye the NBL championship title. The Bullets will need to recalibrate quickly, with two challenging matches looming on their schedule, as they look to end their season on a high note.