DrinkWise Preview: Semi-Final Game One v SEM Phoenix

After taking out the 2021 NBL Regular Season Championship, Melbourne United is now locked in on their next assignment; a best-of-three Semi-Final clash against cross-town rival South East Melbourne Phoenix.

It doesn’t get much bigger than this and just two years into this budding rivalry, another chapter – the most important yet – is set to be written in the Throwdown history books.

The first ever United and Phoenix Finals match up will have a different look with all games being played without fans in attendance in Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena due to Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown.

Despite being on the road, United players remain all in on trying to bring another NBL Championship to Melbourne and have felt the support from the city since being away.

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

PREVIOUS MEETINGS IN NBL21

Round 3: United 96 defeated Phoenix 90.
Round 9: Phoenix 97 defeated United 92 (OT).
Round 11: United 80 defeated Phoenix 60.
Round 17: United 93 defeated Phoenix 82.
Round 18: Phoenix 94 defeated United 83.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Jock Landale was snubbed from being named among the three NBL MVP finalists. Plain and simple.

But all season long, Landale has been the epitome of unselfish and because of that, being snubbed as a finalist for the MVP won’t worry him much as he focuses on the biggest prize; a Championship.

Landale has been a nightmare for the opposition all season long and his versatility is what sets him apart from other big men in the league. He led United in scoring (16.4) and rebounds (7.9) per game in the regular season and his efficiency was key.

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He shot 55% from the field and a touch under 40% from deep – making him one of the toughest centres in the league to defend as he stretches the floor and forces opposition big men to come and defend him on the perimeter.

Landale has had success against the Phoenix this season and posted his season-high of 27 points against them in a Round 17 win. In that game, Landale also recorded 11 rebounds and 3 blocks, while shooting a very healthy 77% from the field.

Look for the superstar big man to come out and assert himself early in this one.

KEY MATCH UP

Keifer Sykes and Mitch McCarron will both have a huge say in the outcome of this game and series. The two point guards boast very different game styles, but both are absolutely vital to their respective teams.

McCarron has starred all season and his game is about so much more than just stats – even though he puts up some ridiculous stat-lines! His tireless work on both ends of the court is what makes him one of the most valuable guards in the league.

McCarron never gives up on a play and he will play a key role in attempting to slow down Sykes.

Sykes started the season in blistering form but then struggled with injuries. In the last few rounds of the regular season, he started to find his groove again and that is a dangerous proposition.

The last time these two teams met, back in Round 18, Sykes starred for the Phoenix and led his team home with 26 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. He finished the regular season with averages of 14 points, 5.3 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game.

THE OTHER GUYS

South East Melbourne lost three of their last four games to end the regular season, including a 94-84 loss to Brisbane to end the season. Despite spluttering home, the Phoenix remain a very dangerous team with plenty of talent on the roster.

Mitch Creek is the engine that makes the Phoenix run. He averaged a team-high 18 points per game, to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the regular season. He can do it all and will be the key for South East Melbourne in this series.

Kyle Adnam and Cam Gliddon are two key backcourt players for the Phoenix and capable of scoring points in a hurry. Adnam attacks relentlessly and has been a consistent threat for the Phoenix this season, while Gliddon is an absolute sharp-shooter from deep.

Ryan Broekhoff hasn’t quite found his deadly shooting form since joining South East Melbourne mid-season, but he was ominous in the Phoenix’s last game of the season against the Bullets, draining 3/4 shots from deep. Keeping him in check will be key all series long for United.

Yannick Wetzell and Ben Moore are key frontcourt figures for South East Melbourne. Wetzell has put in big performances across the season and finished with averages of 11.2 points and 6 rebounds per game.

Moore is a big energy guy for the Phoenix and incredibly brought down 12 offensive boards on his way to 15 rebounds in total against the Bullets on Tuesday night. The battle of the boards will be crucial, so United’s frontcourt will need to be ready come Friday night.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Tip off: 7:30pm (AEST), Friday 11 June.
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney.
Watch: ESPN, SBS VICELAND, SBS On Demand and Twitch.