STAT WRAP - NBL25 Round 17

Welcome to STAT WRAP, Melbourne United’s weekly round-up of all the key stats from our games. Take a look below at who shined on the court, and the trends leading the way throughout the team.

ILI’S LOCKDOWN EFFORT

Always giving his all at the defensive end, Shea Ili strengthened his case for a second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award in Round 17.

While Illawarra’s guards found some success through their offensive scheme, Ili put the clamps on the presumptive MVP from Perth, Bryce Cotton, on Wednesday evening.

In his possessions guarding the American, Ili limited Cotton to just four points on 2/8 shooting and 0/4 from beyond the three-point arc.

PAINT PLAY CRUCIAL

In both of United’s Round 17 games, the team that controlled the middle came away with the win. 

Against Perth, United found success slashing (54 points in the paint) to the hoop and crashing the boards (51 rebounds), leading to a 99-93 victory.

It was the Hawks who had the advantage inside when Melbourne went on the road however, out-rebounding United by 11 and scoring 10 more paint points.

WHITE SKYING ABOVE EVERYONE

Jack White continued his stellar return to the NBL on Wednesday evening, tallying a career-high 26 points to go along with 16 rebounds.

White currently leads the league in rebounding and double-doubles, and is one of only two players to have recorded 16 or more rebounds three times this season.

Across the past two rounds, White is averaging 18 points and 11.8 rebounds per game while leading United to a 3-1 record.

JACK.
WHITE.
EVERYBODY.
That's a career high for him.
📺 ESPN
📊 https://t.co/i6kri3Ah5c pic.twitter.com/j6ngwg1WA9

— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) January 22, 2025

United’s stars will play their final regular season road game this Sunday at 2:30pm against the Brisbane Bullets.

Fans can tune in live via ESPN.