NBL: Melbourne United must be unselfish, defensive minded to win title, Nate Tomlinson says

POINT guard Nate Tomlinson says unselfishness and a strong defensive mindset will be the key if Melbourne United is to push for the NBL title this season.

MELB UNITED V NZ

POINT guard Nate Tomlinson says unselfishness and a strong defensive mindset will be the key if Melbourne United is to push for the NBL title this season.

United is now back on track after a 100-90 win over the Kings in Sydney on Wednesday night.

It came just four days after its strong victory over ladder-leaders Perth at Hisense Arena.

The win over the Kings came on the back of strong ball movement and a big offensive display from the likes of in-form big man Daniel Kickert.

Tomlinson said that will be a common theme for the rest of the season, while also locking down on teams at the other end of the court.

“I think for us to go as a far as we can, that has got to be our stamp,” Tomlinson said.

“We have to move the ball and offence won’t be a problem with this team.

“We had a couple of games where we didn’t shoot the ball well, but in a 28-game season I don’t think offence is our problem.

“If we play defence and move the ball, so we’ll be just fine.”

Kickert shot a staggering 10 from 10 from the field, including three triples, to top score for Melbourne with 26 points against Sydney.

But what impressed United coach Dean Demopoulos most was the work at the other end.

“We’ve been getting good shots all year long and sometimes we make them and sometimes we don’t,” Demopoulos said.

“We’re better when we do, like most teams.

Melbourne United's Nate Tomlinson in action. Picture: Michael Klein

“But I thought in the second half we had some moments where we really locked down on defence in a more consistent manner than we did in the first half.

“When we do that and we finish the defensive play with a rebound and we don’t mess around, so we’re pretty good.”

Demopoulos was not drawn on whether his side had now shaken off its mid-season slump once and for all.

“We work the same way win, lose or draw,” he said.

“These guys have a commitment to each other and they come to work.

“You don’t always see the fruits of your labour immediately.

“Our society is a pretty instant place these days, but this group comes to work and brings effort every day so it is a good they get a reward at the end of the work and I’m really happy for them.”

Melbourne’s next game is against Illawarra at the State Netball and Hockey Centre next Thursday night.

Originally published as NBL: Melbourne United must be unselfish, defensive minded to win title, Nate Tomlinson says