X’s and O’s: Illawarra Hawks

Written by Melbourne United Media

After a pair of hard-fought outings against the Illawarra, Melbourne United will face the Hawks one final time in the regular season, this Saturday at 5.30pm at John Cain Arena.

With one win and one loss under United’s belt, let's look at the keys to success for the defending champions, and the danger signs to watch out for in our new series: X’s and O’s.

When you’re open, let it fly

Throughout the season, United have been one of the best teams at attacking the rim.

Led by the post dominance of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., Melbourne have pressured opposing teams in the paint through knifing cuts and aggressive drives.

This was not the case the last time United faced the Hawks, as Illawarra telegraphed United’s drives and post entries, holding the ladder-leaders under 50% shooting around the rim.

While these numbers were similar in their first meeting, Melbourne’s looks came more naturally, thanks in part to United’s willingness to find the open man on the perimeter and let it fly.

Melbourne got up 37 three-point attempts, accounting for over 46% of their field-goal attempts, in their first win over the Hawks, and while United only hit on 32% of their deep looks in the game, the threat of the three-ball stretched Illawarra's D.

When the Hawks lose, opponents take 44.5% of their shots from three, and connect at 37.3%. 

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Take the above plays as an example of what opportunities United must make the most of.

In both plays, Dellavedova and Peatling make aggressive moves towards the paint, drawing the help defence before kicking it out to a teammate on the perimeter.

Just as White and Delly showcase in the clips, when given space, United must take their open opportunities and fire away from downtown.

Get back on D and make them play slow

A big part of Illawarra’s league-leading offence comes from their ability to get out and run.

Despite giving up 21 offensive rebounds to United, the Hawks took control of the game with their speed, getting out and running for 24 fast break points.

These points came from a combination of uncharacteristic Melbourne turnovers, as well as United’s eagerness to crash the glass, leaving their transition defence exposed.

Illawarra looks to push the ball at just about every opportunity, often through Antonius Cleveland and Tyler Harvey, who has established themselves as an elite transition one-two punch.

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Look how in the play above United crash the glass, only to be faced with a three-on-two fast break, ultimately finishing with a Harvey floater.

While not needing to completely change their rebounding scheme, Melbourne may be better suited to commit less on the offensive glass and drop back in transition, forcing Illawarra to score over their league-best defence.

Boasting the best defensive rating in the league, as well as the best defensive rebounding percentage, United can always lean on their half-court defence to wear opposing offences down.

If Melbourne can slow down Illawarra in transition while reigning in their turnover issues (19 in their last game), they will be poised for a bounce back performance.

Be there on Saturday to see the two team go head-to-head once more. Tickets are available here.