DrinkWise Preview: Semi Final Game 2 v Tasmania JackJumpers

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United will look to secure their spot in a second consecutive NBL Grand Final on Saturday night when they face the Tasmania JackJumpers in Game 2 of their Semi-Final series.

It was United’s elite defence that gave the defending champions their advantage in Game 1, grounding one of the league’s fastest-scoring sides.

Melbourne limited Tassie to just seven points in the third quarter, and 27 in the second half overall, laying the foundation for the run-away victory.

For the JJs, the stakes could not be higher heading into Saturday night, as their challenge is simple: win or your season is over.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jo Lual-Acuil Jr reminded everyone why he has to be considered as one of the top players in the NBL on Thursday night.

After a patient first quarter where he didn’t put up a shot, JLA went off, scoring 15 points and blocking six shots, all without picking up a foul.

Speaking after the game, JLA said getting back to playing United’s brand of basketball was key to his performance, and to the victory.

“We had to rectify what happened last week, we watched the film and it just wasn’t us.

“Coming into this game, no matter what happened we had to be a lot better defensively and I think the team executed that today.”

Look for Big Jo to use his size again to overwhelm Tasmania in Game 2.

KEY MATCHUP

Two of the league’s top playmakers battled in Game One, with Matthew Dellavedova getting the upper hand against Josh Magette.

Delly frustrated the import guard, limiting him to just one made shot on five attempts, as well as three turnovers and three fouls.

On the other side, the American couldn’t stop Delly from getting his feet in the paint and creating offence for United.

The NBA Championship winning guard thrived in his first taste of the NBL postseason, scoring 11 points, pulling down six rebounds and dishing out five assists.

Look for these two to clash again on Saturday.

THE OTHER GUYS 

The JJs need their shooters to fire on all cylinders if they hope to stay in the series.

After averaging the most made three-pointers in the league this season (10.1 per game), and averaging over 32 attempted three-pointers, United’s defence ran Tassie’s shooters off the arc, allowing only 14 looks from deep.

Jack McVeigh did his best, scoring 15 points and knocking down his two long-range attempts, however they will need to see a more consistent showing from the likes of Clint Steindl and Jarrod Weeks in their minutes off the bench.

Josh Adams top scored for the visitors on Thursday night, however Melbourne’s defence seemed to rush the All-NBL guard across the course of the game.

MiKyle McIntosh remains an X-factor for the JJs as they head back to the island. He will need to put together a stronger showing on Saturday after being knocked around by United’s bigs in Game 1.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Tip off: 8pm (AEST), Saturday 30 April, 2022

Where: MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy

Watch: Australia - ESPN via Kayo Freebies and Foxtel. International - NBL YouTube