WWAG Match Recap: NBL23 Round 12, Game 2 v Sydney Kings

Written by Melbourne United Media 

Melbourne United have gone down to the Sydney Kings on Christmas night.

It was a back and forth start to the game, as each side splashed three-pointers for their first baskets.

Rayjon Tucker showed great energy early for a shorthanded United side, scoring 10 quick points to keep his side in reach of the Kings, who held onto the lead for the entire term.

With Tucker producing on offence, Isaac Humphries stepped up defensively, swatting three shots in his first five minutes of action.

Despite closing the period with some slick defence, which turned into an alley-oop finish for David Okwera, Melbourne found themselves chasing Sydney, who opened up a 12-point advantage.

Needing to make the right plays to get themselves back into the game, United got off to a slow start to the second quarter, as the Kings pulled ahead by as many as 16 points.

Not one to back down from a challenge, Tucker continued his hot start and rallied his teammates in a comeback effort.

The highflying American continued to get to his spots, finishing with 20 points in his 15 minutes of play.

United put together a 14-3 run led by their defence as Shea Ili showcased the desperation he and his side were playing with, denying Tim Soares on a chasedown block.

Effort plays buoyed Melbourne, allowing the visitors to close the gap to just six points leading into the major break.

After his awesome defensive performance in the first half, Isaac Humphries continued to roll coming out of half-time, scoring United’s first six after sending away another shot at the hoop.

Melbourne just looked better, moving the ball well and cashing in on their opportunities from beyond the arc.

Mason Peatling found the bottom of the net from deep before Zac Triplett, who only arrived in Sydney as a last-minute replacement for an ill Chris Goulding, sunk his open look to tie the game at 52.

While United had seemingly captured the momentum, some sloppy play, combined with a favourable whistle in favour of the Kings, allowed the home side to push back ahead by 10 points with 10 minutes to play.

Needing to make up the difference and lacking some juice without Goulding and David Barlow, Melbourne fired away from deep, registering a franchise high 51 three-point attempts.

David Okwera made the most of his looks from three, cashing in of three of his four looks on his way to his first ever double-double (13 points, 12 rebounds).

The long-range looks kept United within shouting distance for much of the quarter, however similarly to the way the third term ended, fouls killed all momentum Melbourne were able to muster.

The Kings ultimately ran away with the victory, outscoring the visitors 33-25 in the final period.

United will enjoy a week off before their next game on New Year’s Day on the road against the Brisbane Bullets.

Fans can tune in from 4pm on 10 Peach and Kayo Freebies.