Fiery NBL showdown explodes, United and Phoenix to both lodge complaints

South East Melbourne Phoenix and Melbourne United have clashed in a fiery Throwdown XIII where one player was labelled the “f---ing shittiest little defender in the league” by the opposition coach and a Mitch Creek dunk sparked a brawl and an ejection.

The Phoenix came away with a 94-86 win on Sunday to remain unbeaten after three games, while defending champions United, still without sharpshooter Chris Goulding (hamstring), were left winless after two games.

A growing rivalry between the two clubs exploded in the third quarter in front of a crowd of 7000 at John Cain Arena when Phoenix star Creek completed a soaring right-handed jam on Matthew Dellavedova, with Creek stirring emotions by standing over Dellavedova and delivering a celebratory taunt.

This prompted United’s Mason Peatling to hip and shoulder Creek, knocking the Phoenix franchise player to the ground. Creek leapt up and scurried after Peatling, sparking a major scuffle involving several players, and which carried into the stands where supporters were sitting behind the basket.

Peatling, who later said he felt Dellavedova had been “disrespected,” was ejected from the game but Creek, handed technical and unsportsmanlike fouls, was allowed to remain. Phoenix’s Izayah Ie’afa was also handed an unsportsmanlike foul.

The NBL will also review the incident, which could lead to more penalties, particularly if any player left the bench.

Mitch Creek dunks on Matthew Dellavedova.Credit: Getty Images

“It was a great pass from ‘Izzy’ and I didn’t know if it went in, I didn’t know that it was on ‘Delly,’ I just looked up and got a shoulder to the face,” Creek said post-game.

“I’m never going to let anyone play that way. I apologise to people if I took the game into the wrong place, but I will protect my teammates and protect myself.

“That’s not how you play basketball. We had a hyped up situation and a bit of yelling and screaming, but that’s no reason to check [shirtfront] someone. It’s not rugby, it’s basketball but if they want to play that way, they can play that way.”

Dellavedova said it had been a “high-intensity game” and was unfazed about being dunked on.

Mason Peatling checks Creek after the dunk.Credit: Getty Images

“I don’t really care about being dunked on. I have been dunked on worse than that before. It was a good play by him [Creek],” he said.

Though his team had rallied from 18 points down at one stage, Vickerman’s displeasure with his team was clear during a time-out in the third quarter when United trailed 57-51.

Angry with his team’s offence, he wanted his players to attack Phoenix captain Kyle Adnam, the pugnacious guard who is also a former United championship player.

“You go one and one, attack and go ahead and score on Kyle Adnam. He is the f---ing shittiest little defender in the league. Go ahead and score on him,” Vickerman said, his spiel broadcast on ESPN’s live coverage.

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman.Credit: Getty Images

Vickerman apologised to Adnam post match but Adnam later said he had taken the sledge “personally”.

“I take it personally a bit, but that’s for ‘Deano’ to say, the heat of battle, emotion, whether they believe that or not, that’s fine. I just go back and climb into the war and keep doing things we have put together as a defensive structure,” he said.

Chinese star Zhou Qi led the Phoenix with 22 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks, while American import Xavier Munford and Creek each had 16. Dellavedova paced United with 19 points, 10 boards and five assists, while Jo Lual-Acuil had 17. United will hope Goulding returns for a home game against the Sydney Kings on Thursday while second-year forward Jack White is soon to return from a ruptured Achilles.

Both United and the Phoenix are preparing to make complaints to the NBL about insensitive comments made during the fiery clash.

The Phoenix will make a complaint about a comment from Melbourne United court announcer Wayne Peterson about Zhou Qi, while United will cite a separate incident involving allegations a player, or players, from the Phoenix insulted Peterson’s appearance.

The NBL is aware of both incidents and will investigate them both as part of their end-of-round review.

“Melbourne United strives to maintain a strong culture of diversity and inclusiveness,” Melbourne United told The Age in a statement.

“The club is assisting the NBL in investigating two separate incidents that occurred during the Throwdown on Sunday. The club will make further comments when appropriate.”

The Phoenix wouldn’t comment due to the NBL investigating the matter, but club officials confirmed a complaint would be made.

Peterson caught the ire of the Phoenix after a throwaway comment about Zhou, who missed two free throws during the game which gave fans a free cheeseburger from league sponsor Hungry Jacks.

Court announcers often make comments about rival players, but the Phoenix believe the comment made overstepped the mark and inferred Zhou might not understand what they were cheering about.

Zhou has an interpreter for off-court interactions but speaks some English and was even heard during the broadcast asking the referee about why he was called for an offensive foul.

Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell told The Age last week that Zhou’s understanding of English was far better than he let on stating “he doesn’t miss anything”.

Right at home

Zhou is only getting better as he familiarises himself with his teammates and adjusts to the tempo and physicality of the league. He made a statement in the first quarter by blocking Shea Ili’s runner, following up with a put-back dunk, and later finishing a crisp pass from Munford with another dunk. Zhou had nine points and four blocks to half-time. His rim protection – something the Phoenix have not had before – could be the decisive championship ingredient.

New boy

It’s great to see veteran Brad Newley, 36, still contributing to Melbourne United. The former Sydney King shed up to 10 kilograms through the pre-season to help his court movement. He nailed an open three-pointer after coming off the bench, and will be more of a weapon when Goulding returns.

Family ties

Former Melbourne Tigers championship forward Dave Simmons was an interested onlooker in the stands at John Cain Arena. Simmons, of course, is the father of Ben Simmons, who remains in a stand-off with the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons wants to be traded but the 76ers have yet to find a deal that suits their needs.

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