Hoops

United vs Phoenix, Oct 3

Zodiac, now they’ve got b solar, what’s the chances it goes the same way lol

"Lots of one pass and zero pass offence, very few screen plays, lots of one on one."

Phoenix ran the high on-ball over and over again and got good results out of it. They often pinned three guys to the baseline and effectively ran a two-man game daring Melbourne to find a way to stop it. In the end they got back into the game on the back of Ili's denial D, with Roberson's foul trouble also helping a lot.

"Very ordinary game, but will cut some slack as it's the first game."

Have to agree, having just watched on replay. Lots of one pass and zero pass offence, very few screen plays, lots of one on one. Wesley's injury probably affected Phoenix's play choices but precious little evidence of a plan B. Just Roberson shaking and baking then taking and making 3s. For Melbourne, Trimble seemed to be trying to outdo Roberson in beating the other team one on one.

Have to think both teams will be better in a couple of weeks but Phoenix have to thank Roberson's shooting and Melbourne's lack of offensive organisation for this win.

And both teams shot pretty poorly, Roberson aside.

I wonder why 36ers don't do that, it's a spot that might as well be used?!

Oriant*

I asked about Ikuro last night - no one knew. Although the Oraint reference was a classic.

Does anyone know wth Ikuro is yet?

It seems ludicrous to have sponsorship on a top if your "brand" is totally inaccessible.

What's with Phoenix having unannounced sponsors on their top? Is this a similar thing to Melbourne Utd where for the lack of a major sponsor, they have a "game night sponsor".

I wonder why 36ers don't do that, it's a spot that might as well be used?!

Barlow and Prather got get on the floor yet, Creek could not do more, until someone shows him up he’s leading the mvp.

Let's all calm down on the Creek lovefest. He was great, but it's only one game. He had no match-up with Barlow/Prather both out. I don't think he'll be anywhere near as consistent offensively as he was yesterday.

Pretty average first game with all the injuries and awful shooting from Melbourne. United will want to get a win soon because that NBLxNBA trip is going to be brutal for their schedule.

Do you mean double double?

Nice one SEM!

Creek was a beast, and looked like he was enjoying every minute, smiling and joking around with teammates and opposition, in contrast Goulding back to his bitching and moaning ways when he clearly fouls someone or doesn't get a call that was never there, the guy is so hate-able.

Long looked real good after a slow start. JLA looked like he can't basketball with rebounds going straight through his hands. MCCarron is going to be the glue that holds United together.

Roberson looks like he consistently will get high difficulty shots off, didn't realise he was that small till Trimble was guarding him. Was yelling at the TV when they had Adnam and Roberson on at the same time to close out the game, both very small guards compared to Trimble and McCarron.

Bummer for Tai, was looking like he was going to dominate.

Melo requires a lot of ball, Prather does, Goulding has earned it, but only one ball at time on the court. Defensively Long got no idea, the trip to USA could help bonding it all but they got a few injuries. Could Melbourne do a Sydney of the last few seasons, spend all the coin and choke.

United will be better once we see the Melo we know, rather than the imposter running around last night

On the other side,Madgen needs to find form, with Wesley missing for a while they can't rely on Creek and Roberson going for 50 every single night

Jury out on Benson. Him and Pineau did ok on the boards, it wasn't until Q4 that Long really started dominating

Great opening game.
Wesley's injury could be a concern along with Benson's form for Phoenix.

Appreciated watching for free on SBS but didn’t love the constant cuts to the crowd.

Why do you keep referring to Trimble not being there, as though United wouldn't have been immeasurably better had he never touched the ball?

[Melbourne was missing Barlow, Prather, and McDaniel (whos had an impressive pre-season]

McDaniel probably won't be in the rotation once the full lineup is there

I thought the absence of Trimble last night was far more significant

What has Adelaide doneeeeeeee

Let's talk positives for both teams.

Mitch Creek is the Kawhi of the NBL. Elite at both ends, does a bit of everything, versatile and athletic. With an experienced supporting cast you just know they'll be consistently competitive

As far as United goes, nothing to worry about. They did alright considering they were playing without Prather, Barlow and Melo Trimble.

I wasn't really super impressed with Creek when he was last in the NBL. Not saying he was bad or anything, he was overall a very solid and good player but always felt a bit overrated to me.

But jesus he was impressive tonight. Everything he was good at when he was last here has gotten even better, throw in some 3point shooting and this killer mentality on offense. Wow.

Creek was brilliant

United out of sorts as expected

Who's United got in round 3? 0-2 Will be ok but don't wanna leave that first win for too long

Luke Kendall assistant coach at Phoenix, good for him.
United had bit towel chucking when players were subbed, S-M and Long, got a few out but certainly don’t look as team oriented as previous, Barlow should help that but he’s 35.
Trist, Benson and Stephens look average, rest squad will be good if Creek can carry them till Wesley gets back.
Great crowd for first game.

Cracker of a game, enjoyed it very much! Not much else of substance to add I'm afraid. Bring on the rest of the season!

Very sloppy but enjoyable game. Creek looks like he's taken a leap post-NBA and World Cup... Missed on a lot of those post up moves up but I like his aggression and 3pt shot. Not sold at all on the Phoenix's depth or Pineau as a starter though. Roberson just plain solid (on one end, at least), and Madgen is still Madgen - frustratingly inconsistent on his open looks, but makes enough to keep the D honest.

To me Melbourne looked like they are still getting a feel for each other overall, but I don't think this game did much to dispel the fears re: some of Melo and Long's weaknesses - the Jekyl & Hyde of their games on full display. IMO they'd have been better off spending big on one of them and getting a more traditional 1 or 5 man rather than 2 guys who both excel on the one end of the court.

Good game, Benson and Stephens both very average. Creek mvp. United don’t look smart, to many dumb players.

Shout out to Angelo the Phoenix head chef.

UTD a real chance to start 0-3

FT MEL 88-91 SEM

Adnam isn't that smart.

Long with the brain fade.

OT would be fitting.

Benson is garbage. He has to go.

phoenix are f**ked without creek. benson gone for sure

Very nice Splinky.

I think Ikuro is actually Oriant that has been phoenixed.

What is ikuro?

Don’t worry, the clocks are constantly ahead of the real ones. Then they resync at a stoppage.

The scoreboard/timer must be getting it's data from the arena too early... Probably related to the off-site production.

After the last few years I can't handle the on screen scoreboard updating in less than 5 seconds. It freaks me out!

A couple of guys who are just out of sync at their new clubs. Ili is offering nothing and trimble will get less and less time if he keeps playing his one on one cairns ball

Trist cut by the end of the month. Better off playing small than letting him anywhere near the court.

Bad call? You'd better be taking the piss there, PW

After the last few years I can't handle the on screen scoreboard updating in less than 5 seconds. It freaks me out!

Bad call on Pledger.

Phoenix away uniform is 10 times better than that home green one!

They need to do something about this studio for the commentators. It looks straight up terrible when they show them on camera... Takes you completely out of the atmosphere.

Why arent gaze and russell at the game. Commentating off the tv

Enjoyable game so far, full house, as a basketball fan thank you Larry. ::))

Good game so far. Arguably the best of the season to date.