Walker the Hero as United Edge 36ers in an Instant Classic

Tyson Walker wrote himself into Melbourne United folklore on Sunday night, hitting the game-winning three to keep the ladder leaders perfect in a breathtaking 81–80 win over the Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena.

In a clash between the NBL’s two hottest teams, the sold-out Melbourne crowd got the game of the season — a back-and-forth battle full of physicality, tension, and playoff-level intensity.

DJ Vasiljevic’s deep three had put the 36ers ahead 80–78 with under 30 seconds to play, but a costly over-and-back turnover moments later gave United one last chance. When Milton Doyle’s triple missed, Jesse Edwards soared for the offensive rebound and tapped it out to Walker, who — despite shooting 2-of-11 for the night — buried the corner three with ice in his veins.

Adelaide called a timeout and advanced the ball, but Vasiljevic’s desperate heave at the buzzer rimmed out, sealing Melbourne’s ninth straight win to start NBL26.

It was a night that had everything: duelling big men, momentum swings, and a late-game hero who refused to blink. Edwards was dominant for Melbourne, perfect from the field with 25 points and seven rebounds on 10-of-10 shooting, while Chris Goulding celebrated his 37th birthday week with 14 points and three triples. Finn Delany added 13 points and five boards, and Doyle — despite a rough shooting night — finished with 10 points and five assists.

Walker’s clutch moment overshadowed a powerhouse Adelaide effort led by Bryce Cotton (22 points, six assists) and Zylan Cheatham, who nearly had a triple-double with 21 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Isaac Humphries was immense in limited minutes, scoring 18 on 9-of-10 shooting, while Vasiljevic added 11.

Adelaide had taken control late behind Cheatham’s relentless attacking and Humphries’ thunderous dunk over Edwards that brought the 36ers bench to its feet. But Melbourne’s toughness — and their 17–9 edge in offensive rebounds — proved the difference.

The first half was a grind, with Adelaide’s defence holding Melbourne to 11-of-35 shooting. But Goulding’s four-point play and fiery exchange with Sixers coach Mike Wells sparked a turning point, triggering an 11–0 United run that bridged the halves and flipped the momentum.

From there, every possession felt decisive. When it mattered most, it was Walker — the first-year guard who’d struggled all night — who rose above the noise, stepped into the corner, and drained the shot that kept Melbourne unbeaten.

Melbourne move to 9–0 ahead of next Sunday’s home clash with the Sydney Kings, while Adelaide return home to face the Illawarra Hawks.

Final score: Melbourne United 81 defeated Adelaide 36ers 80.