Sport
27 March, 2024
United a chance for NBL title
Maryborough’s Matthew Dellavedova and his Melbourne United teammates are under pressure to claim the National Basketball League (NBL) title after one of the most memorable game-winners in the competition’s history put United on the back foot in...
Maryborough’s Matthew Dellavedova and his Melbourne United teammates are under pressure to claim the National Basketball League (NBL) title after one of the most memorable game-winners in the competition’s history put United on the back foot in their Championship Series matchup with the Tasmania Jack Jumpers.
United had previously taken game one of the series to start off on the right foot, but with the series heading to the Jack Jumpers’ home court at MyState Bank Arena, the pressure was on for the home team, who needed to win to get back into the series.
For much of the second game on Friday night, United had assumed control, and led by three points at the final change, but Tasmania were propelled by a 22-14 final quarter to eventually take game two of the series, and ensure they had their foothold in the series.
For Dellavedova, the second game was somewhat of a struggle, scoring six points on 3/12 shooting, but he was able to keep his teammates involved, dishing out seven assists throughout the night.
Game three saw Dellavedova at his best as he scored 21 points and dished out eight assists, while also having three steals, helping give Melbourne a seven-point lead at the final change back at home at John Cain Arena.
But, as was the case in game two, Tasmania fought their way back into the game at the death, and with just seconds to go, Dellavedova was tasked with inbounding the ball in Melbourne United’s half, and was forced into a turnover.
That allowed Tasmania’s Jack McVeigh to launch a three-point shot from almost half court, which went in, putting Tasmania in front with just 1.2 seconds to go, and instantly going viral as one of the NBL’s best highlights in the league’s history.
Dellavedova hoisted a shot right at the buzzer in a desperation heave, but it missed, meaning Tasmania went 2-1 up in the best of five series.
United will need to win tonight’s game at the MyState Bank Arena if they are to remain in title contention, and should that happen, they will go into the deciding game five on Sunday at home at John Cain Arena.