Defence the catalyst for bounce back win says White

Written by Melbourne United Media

After giving up 90+ points in four of their previous five games, Melbourne United knew they had to make a change.

The ladder-leaders' unshakeable defence had been tested over the previous few weeks, and heading into a huge game against Perth on Monday night, forward Jack White knew they needed to respond.

“It was a great opportunity to bounce back after that second loss (to Illawarra).

“There’s no better challenge than to go over to Perth and play them there. Add to that Caleb being out and the short turnaround, I was really happy with how we came in mentally.”

The defensive adjustment was clear throughout the 84-75 victory, with White adding the defending champs needed to get back to playing their brand of defence.

“Coming into this game we made an emphasis of playing the defence we know we are capable of playing; blowing up their plays, making them uncomfortable, making them second guess everything they were doing.

“We’re confident that if we can play that defence and flow into our offence, we’re going to be really hard to stop.”

Finishing as a game-high +24, White says he was able to play aggressively thanks to Chris Goulding (18 points, four assist) and Matthew Dellavedova (17 points, six assists) stretching the Perth defence.

“When we’re hitting threes and moving the ball, it’s just fun basketball to be a part of.

“(When Delly is hitting threes) It’s huge… It takes a lot of pressure off our offence. When he’s making those shots and guys can’t go under screens, it makes him so effective getting into the paint for his own opportunities or distributing.”

Another standout was Shea Ili, who further pushed his name into conversation for Defensive Player of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year award consideration.

Speaking on RSN on Tuesday morning, assistant coach Darryl ‘Dmack’ McDonald praised Ili’s work limiting three-time MVP Bryce Cotton.

“I thought Shea Ili did a fantastic job on him.

“He’s one of the best defensive guards in the league, I would definitely put him up there for Defensive Player of the Year. His activity on him (is great), he tries to give him (Cotton) nothing.”

Melbourne will look to ride this wave of momentum into Throwdown XVI, delivered by DoorDash on Thursday evening.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.