MELBOURNE UNITED: 99 (Adnam 23, Boone 18, Ware 18)
ADELAIDE 36ERS: 79 (Creek 20, Drmic 16, Moore 14)
A huge win for Melbourne United on the back of the return from the US. It was the step up performance from Kyle Adnam, with 23 points and an incredible 6 from 8 from the 3 point line, which brought Melbourne home. Two from two in Adelaide is the perfect start and helps continue the momentum going into a big week with the travel to Perth for Friday and the first home game this coming Sunday.
Unfortunately it’s not all great news; with Prather going down under Mitch Creek during the game leaving further question marks with Goulding and Hooley set to miss a few more weeks yet. The reports were its not as bad as first feared but the full assessment as not yet been released.
Adelaide’s Mitch Creek was immense and Drmic and Moore helped contribute. However not enough was clicking for Adelaide to really challenge Melbourne tonight.
With depth of the backcourt being highlighted as one of the weaknesses this season, Melbourne are being tested early on. If Kyle Adnam can reproduce tonight consistently though this side continues to look dangerous.
Here are some key takeaways from an unashamed Melbourne United fan.
Game highlights go here, and full game review, go here.
For the full box score, go here.
Look what Kyle can do
After the 0,0,0 last week, one could not ask for a better bounce back. When he gets minutes in the game he can be this dangerous. 6 from 8 from downtown was mammoth and this step up is exactly what every bench in the NBL wants. Down three guards and Adnam steps up for a career best performance.
Hats off to his game here and carrying Melbourne to an excellent back to back to start the season on the road. Not bad for a team with an away winning percentage under 30% at the start of the season.
Keep it up Adnam and hopefully you can do this during the games next week as we will need it.
Boone is what the league should be worried about
Josh BOOOOOONNNNNEEEE!
The first game against Adelaide left a little to be desired, but it was marred by foul trouble. No such issues today. He was the front court today. 18 points and 10 rebounds. Combine this with Tai Wesley and David Anderson, they added 40 points.
Throughout the league its hard to go past Boone as the best 5 man. He is consistent too and adds what is needed up front to make the back court dangerous. Teams going up against Melbourne need to look at how to nullify Boone before considering how to nullify the rest. There is little doubting that he has the ability to do this every week, and has done this against a strong front court in Adelaide.
Thin united squad is being tested
Casper Ware did it again against Adelaide, with a team focused performance
So far they are passing with flying colours. Adelaide were a tough test to start the season. Some may point to a bad day in the office for Adelaide, who other than Mitch Creek made little impact, but the injury list has been growing since day one. It’s all the role players, who have stuck around from last year, who have made this 2 – 0 start possible.
When the schedule was released the first three games looked like a big test of just how good Melbourne are. When factoring in the trip to the US, you would be forgiven for thinking they might struggle with the two games in Adelaide.
The opposite has happened. Melbourne have come out strong, fought back from a Goulding injury in game one and then mostly dominated game two in Adelaide with Prather injured. The travel to Perth will test them further, but if they make it through this early patch their will be reason to be very positive about the chances with this side.
WHAT’S NEXT?
@ Perth Wildcats on Saturday 14 October at 9:30pm AEDT. Watch it on Fox Sports channel 503.
Bryce Cotton has come out firing. JP Tokoto looks incredibly athletic and Perth’s bench also stepped up during the weekend to help them to strong win against Illawara.
Perth will not be short of confidence when Melbourne enters the jungle. Both teams go in 2- 0 and looking good. One will leave 2 – 1.
See you on Saturday.
Jonathan Prestwich is a Melbourne United fan introduced to the game by his children. He missed a half-court shot but they gave him the prize anyway...... maybe they felt sorry for him. Follow him on twitter @johnoprestwich
