DrinkWise Preview: Grand Final Game One v Perth Wildcats

The 2021 NBL Grand Final Series is here and with the two best teams all season set to battle it out for supremacy, you won’t want to miss a minute of the action!

Melbourne United have so far taken all before them; claiming the Regular Season Championship, before defeating cross-town rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix in a tough Semi-Final series, and now the final challenge is a Grand Final match-up against the Perth Wildcats.

The first two games of the series will be played at RAC Arena in Perth. Despite being on the road to begin the series, United will be doing all they can to gain the upper hand early and your support – which has been unwavering – will be needed.

Melbourne, it’s time to unite as the 2021 NBL Grand Finals begin!

PREVIOUS MEETINGS IN NBL21

Round 4: United 75 defeated Wildcats 71.

Round 6: Wildcats 89 defeated United 85.

Round 16: Wildcats 82 defeated United 69.

Round 18: United 99 defeated Wildcats 91.

Round 21: United 78 defeated Wildcats 64.

PLAYER TO WATCH

It simply has to be Jock Landale – enjoy having him here in the NBL while you can. The superstar big man, who was named to the All-NBL First Team earlier in the week, was on another level in the series-clinching win over the Phoenix on Tuesday night, leading Melbourne home with a monster 27-point, 8-rebound, 3-assist and 2-block effort.

Landale has been dominating teams all season long with his ability to go to work in the paint and then drain shots from deep – doing it all at an extremely efficient rate. This versatility was on full display against the Phoenix as he shot a ridiculous 11/13 from the field (84%) and 3/3 from deep.

He fuelled United’s comeback in the second half of the second quarter and then steered the team home down the stretch. It was a masterful performance by Landale, one that sent a very stern warning to the Wildcats about just how dominant he can be.

Whilst Landale’s offensive exploits were game-changing, his defensive work was just as important. Melbourne was struggling to keep South East Melbourne in front of them through the first 11 minutes of the contest, but with Landale anchoring the defence, things turned around.

In the final eight and a half minutes of the first half, United held the Phoenix to just 13 points, while piling on 25 of their own. A Landale triple sparked that run, while his defensive energy and purpose ensured South East Melbourne couldn’t hit back with a run of their own.

KEY MATCH-UP

Mitch McCarron and Mitch Norton share the same first name and both share a fierce desire to win. This was as evident as ever in their respective Game Three performances.

McCarron, who earned All-NBL Second Team honours earlier in the week, was involved in everything on Tuesday night and finished with a stat-sheet-stuffing 11 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in 32 minutes of game time.

His relentless attack – both offensively and defensively – was there for all to see and he really came to the fore down the stretch with big buckets and assists. His emotion at the final buzzer showed just how much the win meant to him.

Norton gave his all for the Wildcats in their Game Three win over the Hawks on Monday night, and it was made all the more impressive by the fact that he was in doubt to suit up prior to the game due to injury.

He suited up and played a huge role, finishing with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. He loves to do the dirty work and will stop at nothing to help his team get a win.

This match-up will be a gritty one, so sit back and enjoy the hustle!

THE OTHER GUYS

Perth lost Game One of their series against Illawarra at home but fought back to take the last two games and book their ticket to the Grand Final.

In Game Three at home, the Wildcats posted an eight-point win, 79-71, and it was thanks largely to Todd Blanchfield, John Mooney and the aforementioned Norton.

Blanchfield shot the lights out on his way to a game-high 24 points (four triples), 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists. He shapes as an x-factor in this series and the long-range shooting battle between Goulding and Blanchfield will have big ramifications.

Mooney has been the man in the middle all season for the Wildcats and was a big factor once again in Game Three, recording a monster double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds. Mooney and Landale will battle all series long and it will be a treat to watch for NBL fans.

Luke Travers has officially announced himself this post-season. The young gun led the Wildcats to victory in enemy territory in Game Two with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while providing plenty of energy. He backed that up with another solid outing of 7 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in Game Three.

Will Magnay hasn’t had a huge impact since joining the Wildcats late in the season, but he remains a very real threat, capable of dominating the boards. Keeping him in check will be key.

Clint Steindl is one to watch from deep as he can heat up at any moment, while Jesse Wagstaff, Kevin White and Jarred Bairstow all play key roles for the Wildcats.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v Perth Wildcats.
Tip off: 8:30pm (AEST), Friday 18 June.
Where: RAC Arena, Perth.
Watch: ESPN, SBS VICELAND, and SBS On Demand.