IN WHAT could end up being a finals preview for the 2024/25 season, Melbourne United have held onto second place in the standings of the National Basketball League (NBL) after defeating the Sydney Kings by two points in a dramatic encounter.

The Kings looked as if they were going to produce yet another remarkable come from behind win, erasing a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter, but it was United who got the last laugh, with Jack White putting Melbourne in front with just seconds left, which proved to be a match-winning play.

The result means that Melbourne is now sitting comfortably inside the top two with 14 wins next to its name, which could be crucial as the end of the home and away season approaches at a rapid rate. Meanwhile it makes Sydney’s quest for a home semi-final much trickier, and it will likely need to rely on other results to achieve this.

Sydney Kings (88) def. by Melbourne United (90)

United were clearly the better team from the jump, opening up a 19-6 lead despite being in enemy territory and looking every bit a title contender with their ball movement and defensive pressure. At quarter time, the visitors led by 16 points and were in complete control of the match, much to the dismay of the crowd at Qudos Bank Arena.

Although Sydney was able to improve in the second quarter, United were still simply too good, getting out in transition and moving the ball with aplomb. The Kings were simply unable to stop the opposition from getting open looks, with Matthew Dellavedova particularly causing havoc with seven assists before the main break. The margin still stood at 16 points at the main break and it was still Melbourne in the box seat.

United’s lead blew out to as much as 20 points in the third quarter, and it looked as if the match was all but over given how well the visitors were playing. However, the playing field completely shifted, with Melbourne going scoreless for five minutes as the Kings went on a 14-0 run to draw back within six at the final change.

United steadied to break back out to a 14-point lead early in the quarter, but the Kings continued to stick around. Sydney coach Brian Goorjian shuffled around his lineup and the home side went on yet another big run to draw within three points in the final minute. Izayah Le’afa tied up proceedings with an offensive board and triple with just seconds to play, before United coach Dean Vickerman drew up the match-winning play. White cut to the basket and was given separation from his opponent by a hard screen, finding himself wide open underneath the hoop where he produced the layup that gave Melbourne the win.

White was the player of the game for United, posting a big double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds in another tireless display from the NBA champion, while reigning NBL Best Defensive Player Shea Ili was also impressive with 20 points, four rebounds and five assists.

For the Kings, Xavier Cooks helped spark the comeback and was his usual stat-stuffing self with numbers of 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.