WWAG NBL24 Match Recap - Round 15 v New Zealand Breakers

Playing in front of a capacity crowd in New Plymouth, Chris Goulding opened United’s account with class, taking a great pass from Matthew Dellavedova to the hoop for a layup.

This success was however matched by the Breakers, who connected on their first six shots of the game to create an early nine-point lead.

Slowly but surely, United cut into the margin through more great playmaking from Dellavedova as well as strong post play from Ariel Hukporti.

Ultimately, Melbourne trailed by just five points heading into the first break.

Mirroring the opening term, New Zealand built on their lead quickly before Melbourne made their run back.

Dellavedova continued his strong performance, getting into the lane for buckets and finding his teammates to the tune of eight points and five assists with no turnovers across 18 minutes.

A deep Goulding triple helped United build their momentum before a Luke Travers layup tied up the contest.

Needing to close the half with force, Melbourne lost Breakers import Anthony Lamb on the perimeter, who knocked down three long bombs to allow the home side to pull back in front by five points at the major break.

After coming out of half-time slowly, United appeared to find their rhythm. 

Dellavedova and Ian Clark found the bottom of the net with floaters before the latter cashed in from deep build on Melbourne’s momentum.

Not to be outdone, Goulding fired away from downtown, cutting New Zealand’s advantage to just two points, afterwhich Travers finished at the hoop to tie up the ballgame.

A number of uncharacteristic turnovers from Melbourne stopped the visitors from taking the lead, however a Goulding layup on buzzer ensured the scores would be locked up at 62 with one period to play.

In what was a frenetic final 10 minutes, both teams produced spectacular highlights.

Tanner Krebs, who finished as a team-best +11, entered the game and knocked down a three-ball, giving Melbourne their first lead since the opening term.

A pair of Luke Travers alley-oop slams quickly followed, which preceeded a Goulding a near-impossible mid-range jumper.

Despite this, New Zealand kept coming, answering through their own stars when needed leading to a tied ball-game with 10 seconds remaining.

Knowing NZ would be looking to commit a foul on the floor, Dellavedova made a genius play, rising up quickly and drawing a shooting foul.

Putting the cherry on top of his first ever NBL double-double, the NBA championship winner connected on the first shot before intentionally missing the second, leaving the Breakers with no time to get up a shot and sealing their 16th win of the season.

Melbourne will next take to the court on Friday 19 January at 7:30pm in a road matchup against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

Fans can tune in on ESPN via Foxtel and Kayo.