THE Brisbane Bullets have made it two from two in National Basketball League (NBL) preseason clashes in 2024, defeating Melbourne United by 15 points at Casey Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Bullets came into the match fresh off a preseason win over the Shanghai Sharks the week prior, showing good signs in that outing as they look to improve on a disappointing 2023/24 campaign.

On the other hand, United had their first hitout since last year’s disappointing finish to their campaign. Melbourne was bested by the Tasmania JackJumpers in the Grand Final series after coming into the postseason as favourites to win it all. With plenty of changes to the team’s list over the off-season, Tuesday’s clash offered a first look at United.

Although performing very differently last season, it was the Bullets that took home the chocolates in Casey, snagging an impressive victory against a quality opponent.

Melbourne United (75) def. by Brisbane Bullets (90)

The game started with the performance of both teams reflecting their form last year. It was United that got out to an early lead, 12-5, and kept that momentum rolling to hold a seven-point buffer at the first change and snatch momentum of the game.

The Bullets flipped the script in the second quarter, outscoring United 22-9 and showing the continued signs of improvement they have demonstrated throughout the preseason. Brisbane was matching it with last year’s minor champions, and it was the new recruits leading the way as the visitors led by six at the main break.

Melbourne returned serve again in the third quarter to snatch back the momentum and lead by a point at one stage. However, the Bullets absolutely erupted from that point, going on a 22-0 run in a dominant display on both ends of the floor. Whether it was three-pointers finding the bottom of the net or swatting an attempted shot from United, Brisbane was completely on top. To make matters worse for Melbourne, Shea Ili became frustrated at the officials and was ejected from the game before three-quarter time.

The Bullets ended up cruising home to a comfortable victory to the tune of 15 points in the end, showcasing how much they have improved over the off-season and their intention to overachieve in the 2024/25 season.

For the second game in a row, Deng Adel was the star of the show for the Bullets, impressing with a game-high 24 points on 7/9 shooting from the field. He looms as a central offensive figure for Brisbane and his preseason performances have given the team plenty of reason to be excited.

Starting big man Tyrell Harrison was not far behind with 20 points and six rebounds on an efficient 10/12 shooting from the field, while Next Star Rocco Zikarsky was impressive off the bench with 10 points and eight rebounds.