United Demolish Breakers to Complete Perfect Start to NBL26

Melbourne United underlined their championship intent with a ruthless display at John Cain Arena on Sunday, thumping the New Zealand Breakers 114–82 to close the opening round of NBL26.

Coming off a gritty road win in Hobart, Dean Vickerman’s men wasted no time asserting themselves in their home opener. By quarter-time, they led 34–12, their offence flowing freely while their defence smothered a Breakers side that looked short of answers. From there, it was procession basketball, United moving the ball with purpose and punishing every lapse.

United’s fast start set the tone. Tom Wilson, fresh from an MVP season in NBL1 South, came off the bench and immediately added five points to push the lead beyond 20 inside the opening term. Milton Doyle, in his first home outing for the club, sank four three-pointers on his way to 15 points, while teenage Next Star Dash Daniels marked his debut with 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals, showing the athleticism that made him the youngest Boomer since Ben Simmons.

The standout, though, was Dutch centre Jesse Edwards. Dominant in the paint, he scored 22 points on 9-of-10 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, and swatted two shots in just 21 minutes. His efficiency and power earned him Player of the Game honours. Tanner Krebs added 16 points off the bench as United’s depth overwhelmed the Breakers.

United’s revenge mission, after losing consecutive grand finals to Tasmania and Illawarra, looks well underway. Even without captain Chris Goulding, sidelined with a quad injury, they moved the ball confidently and attacked New Zealand’s defence from every angle.

The Breakers, meanwhile, endured another long night. After conceding 104 points to Brisbane on Friday, they again leaked heavily, allowing United to top the century mark with ease. Import guard Izaiah Brockington worked tirelessly for 21 points and six rebounds, while fellow American Rob Baker II chipped in 17 in limited minutes. Mexican Next Star Karim Lopez was a bright spot with 14 points and six boards as he continues his recovery from injury.

But injuries and form woes compounded their issues. Star point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, battling rib soreness, struggled to make an impact. He finished with just five points, four assists, and three turnovers in 14 minutes. Sam Mennenga, a key piece in the Breakers’ frontcourt, sat out with a concussion, further weakening their rotation.

By half-time, the game was effectively over. United led 60–37, their slick offence carving up a passive defence. Daniels’ athleticism, Doyle’s range, and Edwards’ dominance inside made for a three-pronged attack New Zealand simply could not contain.

The second half followed the same script, United extending their lead past 30 while spreading the minutes across the roster. The Breakers kept fighting through Brockington and Lopez, but the outcome was never in doubt.

For United, this was the ideal start to a season of high expectations. Their depth looks formidable, their imports have settled quickly, and their young stars are already contributing. For New Zealand, the questions are mounting after back-to-back blowout losses to open the campaign.

Melbourne’s next test comes quickly, a Thursday night Throwdown against crosstown rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix at John Cain Arena. The Breakers return home to Spark Arena to face the Perth Wildcats on Saturday, desperate to avoid a third straight defeat.

Final score: Melbourne United 114 defeated New Zealand Breakers 82.