United out to avenge opening round defeat

Melbourne United are looking to make up for a slow start to the NBL season this Thursday at John Cain Arena.

The defending champs have dropped their opening two games, the first coming on the road against the Sydney Kings.

After trailing by as many as 21 points in the third term against the Kings, United showcased their resilience, coming all the way back to have a shot at tying the game in the closing seconds.

The loss left a sour taste in the mouth of many Melbourne’s players, including star center Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, who says the group will perform better on Thursday.

“That first game was tough for us,” he said.

“We want to go out in front of our fans and get that win back. We know we can play better and we want to show it on Thursday."

Coming off a historic game against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, which saw JLA break the United record (which he previously held) after sending away seven shots, look for the big-man to battle hard against Sydney’s front line.

Tickets for the game against the Kings are on sale now, as are tickets for Melbourne's final home game for 2021, a Sunday afternoon match-up with the New Zealand Breakers.