Hungry Jack's NBL
Melbourne wants rival matchup in Finals
Written By
NBL.com.au
With all eyes locked on the 25th Throwdown on Thursday, United coach Dean Vickerman is excited about what the future could hold between the two rivals.
“We would love to meet South East Melbourne in a final series,” Vickerman said at Melbourne’s press conference on Tuesday.
“It would have massive meaning. They have put a really good roster together and it’s going to be a tough game.”
Melbourne United currently own the head-to-head battle with over the Phoenix with 17 wins to seven, but Vickerman understands that this is a completely new-look team that they’ll be facing.
“They (the Phoenix) have a lot of people in their first Throwdown. Look at their starting five and no one was there last year, so I am sure they’re excited about experiencing it,” he said.
“They’re coming off a loss to Perth too, so you know they’ll be extra hungry and try to reward their fans.”
One of the more unique aspects of the Throwdown is that both teams share John Cain Arena as their home court, which makes each matchup feel a bit different for one team.
“It’s their home Throwdown as well. So being that opponent and sitting at the other end of the court, it’s a little different,” Vickerman said.
“I think there’s some guys that really enjoy the atmosphere in these and you know we want to win every Throwdown.”
Tickets are selling fast for the Throwdown on Thursday night.
Watch the Phoenix host United from 7.30pm AEST, live on ESPN via Kayo.
