Xs and Os NBL23: New Zealand Breakers

Written by Melbourne United Media

As Melbourne United head into a crucial game to keep their playoff hopes alive, let’s take a look at the area’s MU will have to focus on when they face the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday evening in this week’s edition of Xs and Os.

Limit offensive rebounding

New Zealand have built their success this season on the back of grind-it-out basketball, with their offensive rebounding at the forefront.

The Breakers rank as the third best offensive rebounding team in the league, and boast the league-leader in the category, Derek Pardon.

The big-man has showcased how dominant he can be creating second chance opportunities against United, averaging four o-boards per game against Melbourne.

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Putting a body on Pardon will be essential come Saturday, allowing Melbourne to set up their half-court offence to create open looks for their shooters.

Shoot it with confidence from deep

Speaking of shooting, United have been lights out from long range across this recent winning streak.

Since the start of the new year, MU are firing away the highest proportion of three-pointers in the league, while knocking down the fourth most triples per game.

While United only connected on eight long-range looks in their last meeting with New Zealand, ensuring that they stay aggressive and launch it from deep when open will be crucial in taking home an important victory.

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The Breakers play a swarming defence, so if Melbourne can take advantage of New Zealand’s help defence when they drive to find open shooters, the visitors will be well poised to secure the win.