United Dominate Phoenix to Stay Perfect in NBL26

Melbourne United remain unbeaten in NBL26 after stamping their authority in the first Throwdown of the season, dispatching the South East Melbourne Phoenix 103–83 at John Cain Arena on Thursday night.

In front of a packed house that included Phoenix part-owner Nick Kyrgios, United underlined their championship credentials with a commanding fourth-quarter surge that turned a tight contest into a rout. Milton Doyle, the former JackJumper turned United guard, top-scored with 18 points in his Throwdown debut, knocking down four triples and sparking the decisive run that blew the game apart.

For Dean Vickerman’s side, the result capped an impressive opening to the season. Having already claimed wins against Tasmania and New Zealand, United now sit 3–0, unbeaten despite the absence of inspirational captain Chris Goulding, who remains sidelined with a quad injury. With Doyle settling seamlessly into his new colours and a balanced supporting cast, Melbourne looks every bit the contender after back-to-back grand final defeats.

The contest was physical from the outset, setting the tone for another fiery edition of Melbourne’s crosstown rivalry. Nathan Sobey came out firing for the Phoenix, hitting 12 first-quarter points to give his side an early edge. But United’s accuracy from long range quickly swung the momentum. Despite coughing up eight turnovers in the first term, they buried six of their seven three-point attempts to stay in front.

The second quarter saw United extend the margin to double digits, only for Sobey to ignite again after the break. The Boomers guard poured in another 12 points in the third term as Phoenix briefly clawed their way back into the lead. United, though, steadied behind Doyle and Tyson Walker, refusing to let the game slip.

The killer blow came at the start of the fourth. Doyle buried his fourth three-pointer to open the period, and from there, United went on a 13–0 run. Phoenix coach Josh King was forced into a quick timeout, but the damage was done. Fabijan Krslovic drained two triples off the bench to stretch the lead further, and when teenage Next Star Dash Daniels nailed a three of his own, the home crowd erupted as the contest was sealed.

Walker finished with 13 points and eight assists in another assured display, Shea Ili contributed 10 points and seven assists, while Krslovic’s 12 off the bench provided valuable impact. Daniels added nine points, five rebounds, and three assists in a performance that once again highlighted his maturity beyond his years.

Phoenix struggled to find consistent support for Sobey, who finished with a game-high 26 points in a lone-handed effort. John Brown III added 12, but no other Phoenix player reached double figures. As a team, they shot just 37 per cent from the field, 9-of-27 from deep, and turned the ball over 14 times. Against a United side in full flow, that was never going to be enough.

The victory improves United’s all-time Throwdown record to 20–9 and, more importantly, reinforces their standing as the team to beat in the early stages of the season. For the Phoenix, the loss was a reminder of the gap that still exists against their rivals, particularly when the game is on the line.

United return to John Cain Arena on Sunday to host the Adelaide 36ers, while the Phoenix head north to Cairns for a Sunshine Stoush against the Taipans on Saturday.

Final score: Melbourne United 103 defeated South East Melbourne Phoenix 83.