By Jasper Bruce
Melbourne United are one win away from NBL glory after an “unbelievable” Matthew Dellavedova inspired a 83-77 defeat of Illawarra in game three of the championship series.
To make matters worse for the Hawks, star import Trey Kell injured his knee late on Sunday and is in major doubt for Wednesday’s game four, which Illawarra must win to keep their hopes of a fairytale title alive.
Matthew Dellavedova inspired Melbourne United’s win.Credit: Getty Images
Without his back-court partner Shea Ili (concussion), NBA champion Dellavedova (16 points, 11 assists, 0 turnovers) guided United back from 10 points down in a tense fourth quarter in Wollongong.
“With Shea out, he put a lot on his shoulders straight away. Any time that he has that extra load he’s always excelled,” United coach Dean Vickerman said.
“It was unbelievable some of the things he did tonight.”
Melbourne now move back to their home court John Cain Arena in an attempt to seal a seventh NBL title, and second under Vickerman.
Illawarra’s Trey Kell lies injured on the court on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images
“The season’s not over,” said Hawks coach Justin Tatum.
“We got them at their place (in game two), just like they got us at our place twice. The first person who wins at home wins the series, so see you in Melbourne.”
Illawarra entered the fourth period on a 14-0 run inspired by import Darius Days (11 points, four rebounds) and looked primed to ride momentum to a series lead before a vocal crowd.
But with Dellavedova marshalling the perimeter in Ili’s absence, United kept the NBL’s best offensive team to only 10 fourth-quarter points.
The guard had missed his first five shots from the field but well and truly had his eye in when it counted at the death.
When Dellavedova landed a fadeaway shot with four minutes to play, United were back ahead, and edged further in front when he ducked around Kell for a lay-up in the paint.
Jack White gets physical for Melbourne United.Credit: Getty Images
Dellavedova was also key to unlocking Jack White, who had failed to put up a shot in United’s game-two loss but was pivotal on Sunday.
White set the tone for United’s 8-0 start by hitting a three-pointer only seconds after tip-off.
Ex-NBA forward White (20 points, five rebounds) went on to land two ally-oops from Dellavedova’s game-playing in the third quarter and finished as the game’s highest scorer.
“I think when I’m having fun and I’m not overthinking, I think that brings out the best in me,” White said of his return to form.
“Simply put, I just wanted to enjoy the moment.”
Kell slipped over and hurt his knee as he attempted to manoeuvre around Dellavedova with two minutes to play.
Dellavedova takes instruction from Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman.Credit: Getty Images
The American was substituted out of the game and did not return, hobbling up the tunnel in clear frustration.
Tatum said they were “not yet” sure of the injury’s severity.
Kell was named in the All-NBL First Team for a brilliant first season at the Hawks and would be a significant loss as Illawarra fight to confirm a second championship banner.
United are feeling “positive” about Ili’s hopes of returning from the latest in a string of concussions for Wednesday’s game.
“It’s still questionable but he’s progressing the way we’d like right now,” Vickerman said.
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