Melbourne United wins NBL game on March 23, 2025, affecting finals seeding

Melbourne United won a close game 95-91 against the Phoenix on March 23, 2025. This win is important for their NBL finals push.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Tense Basketball Match Sees Melbourne United Clinch Crucial Victory

Melbourne United secured a significant win, pushing past the South East Melbourne Phoenix in a hard-fought contest. This victory is important for Melbourne United's position as the NBL finals approach, while the outcome also impacted the seeding of the league's top two teams. The game, played at John Cain Arena, featured strong individual performances and a dramatic shift in momentum.

United get up off the canvas for crucial, finals-shaping upset as NBL top two locked in - 1

Game Details and Key Moments

Melbourne United defeated the South East Melbourne Phoenix with a final score of 95-91.

United get up off the canvas for crucial, finals-shaping upset as NBL top two locked in - 2

  • For Melbourne United, Doyle scored 25 points and Walker contributed 23 points.

  • The South East Melbourne Phoenix were led by Sobey, who scored 29 points, with Iwundu adding 17 points.

In a separate match, the New Zealand Breakers achieved a decisive victory over the Cairns Taipans, winning 115-84.

United get up off the canvas for crucial, finals-shaping upset as NBL top two locked in - 3

  • Sam Mennenga of the Breakers scored a career-high 32 points in his return from injury. This game served as preparation for the Breakers' upcoming Ignite Cup final.

Context of NBL Season Dynamics

These results contribute to the developing landscape of the NBL season, particularly concerning the top-tier teams and their playoff positioning.

United get up off the canvas for crucial, finals-shaping upset as NBL top two locked in - 4

Melbourne United's Recent Performances

Melbourne United has been involved in several impactful games leading up to the finals.

  • A previous match saw Melbourne United defeat the Perth Wildcats 105-93, with Goulding scoring 41 points, securing a crucial series lead.

  • Another notable game involved Melbourne United's remarkable comeback from a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter against the Illawarra Hawks, securing an epic 115-106 victory. Matthew Dellavedova was highlighted as the architect of this win, scoring 30 points.

Illawarra Hawks' Championship Win

The Illawarra Hawks secured their first championship in 24 years, defeating Melbourne United in Game 5 of the finals series.

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  • The Hawks came back from a 10-point deficit early in the deciding game.

  • This win marked the end of a long drought for the Hawks, with star guard Trey Kell III playing a significant role in Game 5 after missing Game 4 due to a knee injury.

  • Matthew Dellavedova was named Finals MVP for his efforts.

  • The loss was described as a "gut-wrenching" defeat for Melbourne United, who were seeking redemption after a loss in the previous year's finals.

Other NBL Results and Performances

  • Kody Stattmann achieved a career-high 20 points, and Carlin Davison recorded his first NBL double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, in a game where the Breakers extended a lead to 22 points by three-quarter time, ultimately winning by 31 points. This detail appears to be from a separate match not directly linked to the main NBL results provided.

Expert Analysis and Commentary

The significance of these NBL results lies in their direct impact on the final standings and playoff matchups. The ability of teams like Melbourne United to stage comebacks, as seen in their victory over the Illawarra Hawks, demonstrates resilience that is crucial in high-stakes games. The inclusion of player statistics, such as career-highs and double-doubles, provides a measure of individual performance within the team context.

Conclusion and Implications

Melbourne United's recent victory over the South East Melbourne Phoenix is a key indicator of their strong form heading into the finals. The win, coupled with their demonstrated ability to overcome significant deficits, positions them as a formidable opponent. The fact that the top two teams in the NBL are now "locked in" suggests that the regular season standings have solidified, leading to predictable playoff pairings. The Illawarra Hawks' championship win signifies a historic achievement for the franchise, ending a 24-year wait and highlighting the dramatic nature of finals basketball.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the result of the Melbourne United vs. South East Melbourne Phoenix game on March 23, 2025?
Melbourne United won against the South East Melbourne Phoenix with a score of 95-91. Key players for United were Doyle with 25 points and Walker with 23 points. Sobey scored 29 points for the Phoenix.
Q: How does this win affect the NBL finals picture?
This victory is important for Melbourne United as the NBL finals get closer. It also affected the seeding of the top two teams in the league.
Q: Were there other important NBL games on March 23, 2025?
Yes, the New Zealand Breakers beat the Cairns Taipans 115-84. Sam Mennenga scored a career-high 32 points for the Breakers in his return from injury.
Q: What is the context of Melbourne United's recent NBL performance?
Melbourne United has had several important games recently, including a 105-93 win against the Perth Wildcats and a remarkable comeback win against the Illawarra Hawks, where they overcame a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter.