NBL: Tanner Krebs on Melbourne United’s ‘crazy’ 1300-day dominance of Brisbane Bullets

It’s been nearly four years since Brisbane has beaten Melbourne in a remarkable stretch. Aman who played in the Bullets’ last win over United is now plotting to extend the streak against his former club.

Melbourne United owns the Brisbane Bullets.

Entering Sunday’s clash at John Cain Arena, United has not lost to the Bullets in more than 1300 days, a dominant streak the NBL ladder leaders will seek to extend to 13 straight.

They’ll have to do it without calf-stricken superstar Chris Goulding but one man familiar with both clubs is ready to step up in his sharpshooting captain’s absence.

Tough United forward Tanner Krebs was staggered to learn of the club’s “crazy” near-four-year ownership of the Bullets, who have not tasted victory over United since March 7, 2021 – the Covid-affected NBL Cup.

The 28-year-old only remembers that game because he was part of the Bullets’ team which claimed a 99-86 win.

“I had no clue that was the case,” Krebs, who spent his first three NBL seasons in Brisbane before joining United in 2023, said.

“That’s crazy but honestly, I don’t think it really matters who’s in front of us.

Tough as nails Tanner Krebs nailed three treys against New Zealand. Picture: Getty Images

“We truly believe when we’re playing our best that we can not only beat, but really put it on teams, and that’s what our mindset needs to be.

“We expect to win every game.”

Krebs is ready to grab the opportunity afforded by Goulding’s unfortunate absence, while remaining realistic – the Boomer’s four-game hot streak of 28.5 points on 23-50 from deep, is virtually impossible to emulate.

“(Coach) Dean (Vickerman) said to me: ‘I’m not going in to try and replace CG, I’m going in and I’m going to be Tanner Krebs and I’m going to be the best version of myself’,” Krebs said.

Against Brisbane, Krebs will plot his former club’s downfall from the tip – a second consecutive start, following a trio of three-pointers in Thursday night’s 27-point hammering of New Zealand.

Tanner Krebs as a Brisbane Bullet, circa 2021. Picture: Getty Images

“All I care about is my teammates and the name on the front of my jersey, Melbourne United,” Krebs, asked if there was any extra emotion attached to facing his former club, said.

“I’ve still got mates there, still really close with Tyrell (Harrison) but that team has drastically changed since I was there.

“I’m not even thinking about the Bullets except what we need to do to beat them.”

Krebs said the league’s No.1 defensive team can start by doing just that – playing defence. United leaked 103 points the last time the two teams met – but poured in 120 themselves.

“They’re really dangerous, (James) Batemon and (Keandre) Cook are keys, Casey (Prather) had a great game Friday (33 points v Adelaide), shutting those guys down, and a big key is Tyrell, keeping him off the boards, being physical, keeping him out of the paint,” Krebs said.

Star import Ian Clark is in serious doubt with a hip injury but there is more optimism around the availability of big man Marcus Lee (back stiffness) after both missed the clash with the Breakers.