NBL Finals: Melbourne’s Ian Clark opens up on how he overcame mid-season struggles and how he made a home at United

Ian Clark admits he was “in my own head” as his shot deserted him during a tough mid-season stretch. Here’s how he turned it around to put United within one-game of the NBL title.

Melbourne star Ian Clark wants to be back at United in NBL26 — and beyond — and is planning to play professionally during the off-season for the first time since he suited up in the NBL four years ago.

The just-turned 34-year-old NBA champion has overcome a rough mid-season form slump patch to drive United within one win of this year’s NBL title.

In a seven-game stretch over the festive period and New Year, where United hit the road for a month, Clark struggled with his shot, making just 3-21 from deep and averaging only 7 points per game — well below the 14.4 he’s put up this season.

“Having that part of the season where it’s just a grind, it’s hit a couple years now in January where you’re on the road a lot,” Clark admitted.

“I’m not saying it’s going to happen every year but I’ve noticed a little bit of a pattern and it’s now ‘how I can try to do better and get through that’.”

Ian Clark’s stunning form has Melbourne United one win away from championship glory. Picture: Getty Images

It was never a case of if, but when Clark would burst out of his slump and he did so on Australia Day with 24 points on five treys against Brisbane — and he hasn’t looked back.

A 38-point semi-final masterclass against Perth that clinched a grand final berth in one of the greatest games in NBL history was the banner moment but Clark’s been on fire in the NBL finals, upping his season average to 22.2 points per game on an elite 52 per cent from the field and 45 per cent from deep.

“I easily get into my own head about stuff like that, because I know what I’m capable of, I know what I can do, I know how I can help, and, when you’re not having the production you want to have, it’s easy to be discouraged,” Clark said.

“(United assistant coach David) Barlow and I, through that patch, we talked about just not overthinking things because, looking at film, all the things I was doing then were the same things I’m doing now.

“You want to see the shots go through the rim but, even the games that I was kind of struggling, It wasn’t a lack of confidence from the group.

“The biggest part I can take from it was there wasn’t any guys telling me not to shoot it or not to be aggressive.

“It was more so me in my own head just wanting to get it back so fast.”

The former Golden State Warrior, who joined Sydney midway through the 2021-22 season, hasn’t played professionally anywhere else but Australia in the four years since.

Clark’s scoring ability has kept United afloat throughout the NBL finals. Picture: Getty Images

But, while he’s “keeping it under wraps, right now” Clark confirmed to Crosscourt he's working through a contract that will keep him on the floor throughout the off-season.

Before that happens, though, he’ll have a chance to put Illawarra away on Wednesday night on United’s home floor — and get over the hump after United fell short against Tasmania in last season’s grand final.

“Not everybody gets a chance to play in the grand final so how many more times in your career are you going to have a chance to win a championship?,” he said.

“Anything can go wrong throughout the season so, when you put yourself in these positions, you want to make sure that you take advantage of them.

“There was no guarantee that, after last year, going to game five, losing, this year we would get back to the point we’re at now.

“I don’t want to leave anything in the tank and my mindset is trying to do anything to win, whether that’s me shooting, whether it’s me guarding Tyler Harvey, I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

Patty v Ian: Clark had already experienced a little of the Aussie way in the NBA before he landed in the NBL. Picture: Getty Images/AFP

We share a laugh when Clark says “grand final” — the Memphis native has embraced the Aussie culture.

“Grand final, I’ve got used to it bro,” Clark laughs.

“Now they (the NBL) changed it on the court and it says ‘championship’ now instead of ‘grand final’.

“I ain’t going to make that mistake back home — it’s the finals in the NBA.”

Clark won a championship with Sydney in his NBL debut season, joined Adelaide late in the 2022-23 season before finding a “home” at Melbourne United.

“Coming here was one of the best things I’ve done in a long time in my career and being able to try to have an impact playing with these guys and having a group that likes being together, likes winning, likes doing the things it takes to win, is one of those environments you want to be a part of,” he said.

“I’ve found a home here and hopefully I’ll be here next year and beyond.”

NBL GRAND FINAL

Originally published as NBL Finals: Melbourne’s Ian Clark opens up on how he overcame mid-season struggles and how he made a home at United