Melbourne United has triumphed over the Perth Wildcats with a thrilling 113-112 win in Game 3 of their NBL Playoff Series, earned on March 4, 2025, at John Cain Arena. This nail-biting match was the culmination of their best-of-three semi-final series.
The stakes were high; the winner would advance to the Championship Series. After Melbourne secured Game 1 with a decisive 105-93 victory, they faced a setback in Game 2, losing 96-89. Despite this slip, the team came back strong on their home court to claim the series and seek redemption for last year’s heartbreak against the Tasmania JackJumpers.
From the outset, Melbourne demonstrated its determination, with Matthew Dellavedova opening the scoring after grabbing an offensive rebound. Chris Goulding and Ian Clark quickly heated up the game, showcasing their exceptional shooting skills. Yet, Perth’s all-star players, including Bryce Cotton and Kristian Doolittle, countered, pushing the United to trail by as many as 14 points during the game.
Veteran Tanner Krebs provided a spark by sinking a buzzer-beater triple at the end of the first quarter, which trimmed United’s deficit to 11. The second quarter saw the United's dynamic duo, Clark and Goulding, combine for 42 first-half points to energize the crowd and swing the momentum. Their teamwork was electrifying, with Clark converting several shots from beyond the arc.
Despite their efforts, Melbourne trailed 62-58 at halftime. The third quarter opened with Jack White making his presence felt, scoring nine quick points to narrow the margin. Melbourne then regained the lead, with Clark delivering key shots around the hoop and hitting another three-pointer, pushing their lead to five points.
The final ten minutes of the match were full of action, as both teams battled back and forth for control. Chris Goulding’s highlight moments included incredible hustle play where he dove for the ball and converted another three-point shot. His defensive prowess was also on display, where he executed a chasedown block, sending the John Cain Arena crowd wild.
With the score locked at 112-112, the last play proved decisive. Dellavedova found Goulding cutting to the basket, where he drew the foul. With the weight of the match resting on his shoulders, Goulding sank the first free throw but cleverly missed the second, ensuring there was no time left for the Wildcats to respond.
The victory not only secured Melbourne's path to the Championship Series but also signified their resilience as they look for their first title since 2021. Ian Clark ended the match with 38 points on 14-19 shooting, including six three-pointers, showcasing his formidable scoring ability. Meanwhile, Goulding added 30 points, achieving 9-12 from three-point range. This duo shared the spotlight and added another thrilling chapter to the NBL's drama-filled playoff history.
Bryce Cotton, living up to his MVP status, led the Wildcats with 33 points, accompanied by Doolittle's impressive 37 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Their performances, though stellar, fell just short as they fought valiantly until the final whistle.
Now, United is gearing up for their next challenge against the Championship Series, aiming to overcome the disappointment of last year as they chase the elusive title. Coach Dean Vickerman expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, "One of the greatest games we’ve seen in NBL history.” Meanwhile, questions hang over Cotton's future with the Wildcats after this tight loss, leaving fans wondering if next season will see him donning their colors again.
The intense, edge-of-your-seat finale to the series marks another significant milestone for Melbourne United and their loyal fans, who will be cheering them on as they seek to continue their rigorous and triumphant campaign. The anticipation builds as they prepare for the Championship matchup, reinforcing their hunger for victory.