Matthew Dellavedova’s future at Melbourne United remains in the balance but the NBA champion proved he is still a game-winner leading his club to victory in game one of the NBL championship series.
Dellavedova and United struggled from the three-point line and trailed for much of the match before he teamed with Chris Goulding and Ian Clark to steer Melbourne to a 96-89 win over the Illawarra Hawks in Wollongong.
Melbourne United’s Matthew Dellavedova drives to the basket against Illawarra’s Mason Peatling.
Melbourne United’s Matthew Dellavedova drives to the basket against Illawarra’s Mason Peatling.Credit: Getty Images
The victory was a priceless one for Melbourne who don’t have home court advantage in this best-of-five series. They needed to win at least one away game to have a chance at claiming their first title since 2021, while the loss will be a blow for the Hawks who topped the ladder during the regular season.
Dellavedova, who reportedly stalled contract talks until after the season, made two crucial three-pointers and threw an alley-oop pass to Jack White in the final stages and finished with a team-high 18 points as United put the defensive clamps in the high-scoring Hawks who had 53 points at half-time but just 31 thereafter.
Chris Goulding had just four points in the first three quarters but he found his range in the last to finish with 15 points while Clark was a constant threat with 14 points while centre Marcus Lee was outstanding with 14 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks.
It was far from Melbourne’s best performance but they showed the grit needed to grind out a win under the bright lights.
“They are a really great team so we had to throw a punch first,” Lee told ESPN post game
“I took it personally, I knew my team needed me and I had their back.”
Will Hickey of the Hawks is defended by Rob Loe of Melbourne United.
Will Hickey of the Hawks is defended by Rob Loe of Melbourne United.Credit: Getty Images
Hawks star Trey Kell III had a tough night offensively with six points while Sam Froling (16 points) and Will Hickey (14 points, seven rebounds and eight assists) led the home side.
Froling and veteran Todd Blanchfield fired early for the Hawks with Froling unstoppable in the paint and Blanchfield nailing three of three three-pointers en route to 11 points for the half.
Melbourne United’s Ian Clark throws a pass.
Melbourne United’s Ian Clark throws a pass.Credit: Getty Images
The Hawks broke clear in the second term winning it 24-17 and taking a 53-43 lead into half-time.
Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman sat Dellavedova and Rob Loe to start the second half, promoting Clark and Lee to the starting five.
United lifted their tempo defensively with Jack White blocking Froling at the rim but the Hawks remained in front as coach Justin Tatum continued to cycle through his players.
Clark’s long three cut the lead to 67-63 going into the last term and United soon had its first lead of the night as a Dellavedova three put the visitors up 72-69 with seven minutes to play and held the lead to the finish.
Game two of the NBL championship series is at John Cain Arena on Wednesday at 7.30pm AEDT.
Roy Ward is a sports writer, live blogger and breaking news journalist. He's been writing for The Age since 2010.Connect via Twitter or email.