Melo Trimble shows Melbourne United fans exactly what he is capable of in victory over Adelaide
Melo Trimble was never going to be Casper Ware. But after a tough start to his time at Melbourne United, it is clear the new point guard has well and truly found his feet. Just ask the Adelaide 36ers.
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Melo Trimble received early criticism as he struggled to find his feet in a new scene at Melbourne United.
A young man trying to fill the shoes of seasoned championship point guard Casper Ware, Trimble found trouble with turnovers and his decision making as United propped up the league at 1-4.
Fast forward five games and United is 5-4 after a strong victory over Adelaide.
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While Trimble was never going to be Ware, the Melbourne faithful are beginning to enjoy what he is – a young scoring machine who is improving with every game.
On Sunday afternoon, it was Trimble who put United on his shoulders as Adelaide jumped out to a big early lead.
United coach Dean Vickerman had preached defence all week, but it was Adelaide who listened early, showing on every screen to double down on the Melbourne shooters, picking off several entry passes and stretching out to a 12-point advantage.
But few teams possess the ability to surge like United and, on the back of an increased defensive work rate and a stunning 15-point quarter from Trimble, Melbourne reversed the deficit … and then some.
The stunning 37-14 quarter was a 26-point turnaround that made the margin 14 at the long break.
From there it was academic as United enjoyed a series of second half cameos, propelled by Trimble’s game-high 32, with Chris Goulding chipping in 20.
Jo Lual-Acuil was an energiser off the bench, swatting Adelaide import Eric Griffin at one end and then putting him on a poster at the other with a ferocious jam that brought the Melbourne Arena house down.
Usually Adelaide’s sparkplug, point guard Jerome Randle scored seven points in the first quarter run, but went missing, managing just four in the second and third – as Melo lit him up. Daniel Johnson was also a non-factor in a dirty night for the Sixers.
United now turns its attention to Throwdown III with new rival South East Melbourne Phoenix next Saturday – their first with import Casey Prather, who was given a loud ovation in his first home game since he helped United win the 2018 NBL title.
With the record level at 1-1, United will be keen to stretch their winning run to five.
Melbourne United 109
Melo Trimble 32
Chris Goulding 20
Shawn Long 16
d
Adelaide 36ers 90
Jerome Randle 17
Anthony Drmic 16
Daniel Johnson 13