How Melbourne United blew its shot at a dynasty
In an alternate universe, Melbourne United would be celebrating a third NBL championship in four years – but once again have been left to pick up the pieces. Here’s how they blew their chance.
Basketball
Star’s classy act after 24-year NBL drought
An Australian basketball great was showered with boss before doing some never seen before as the new NBL champs celebrated.
‘This belongs to you’: Classy MVP moment cements Delly’s legacy
After Matthew Dellavedova was named Finals MVP, the United star silenced a booing crowd with a gracious moment that will go down in history – but the NBL won’t officially change the award.
It’s party time in the ‘Gong: Hickey stars as Hawks take out NBL title
Wollongong has entered party mode as the Illawarra Hawks crushed Melbourne United in a game five classic to become NBL champions for the second time in history.
Coach fired after ‘thug’ act with 17yo’s hair
There has been widespread outrage after a veteran basketball coach was caught committing an ugly act in vision that has gone viral.
Aussie great’s heartwarming first with autistic son
A heartfelt gesture from the Minnesota Timberwolves brought a world of joy to Joe Ingles and his family.
Aussie star, family leave America ‘speechless’
A gesture of pure class has made Aussie NBA star Joe Ingles and his family the most heart-melting story of the season.
‘Completely dead’: McGuire backs Kestelman in NBL takeover bid
Media mogul and former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire is “dumbfounded” by the shock takeover bid to oust NBL boss Larry Kestelman, declaring basketball was a “joke” before Kestelman saved the sport.
United or Hawks? NBL battle comes down to ultimate decider
United missed a golden opportunity to seal the NBL championship on home court, so can they salute in enemy territory? CrossCourt has all the talking points ahead of a winner takes all game five.
Concussed United star firms for game five
Having missed the past two grand final games, Melbourne United’s two time NBL defensive player of the year, Shea Ili is firming to return from concussion for the crucial game five.
Froling: Why the Hawks’ game four boilover wasn’t a surprise
His inspirational return to basketball may have been dampened by a serious injury to brother Sam, but Harry Froling says the Hawks’ fight comes as no surprise at all, revealing it’s the clubs culture leading the NBL title charge.
‘Trump-style bully tactics’: Inside shock NBL hostile takeover bid
Illawarra Hawks’ owner and Donald Trump loyalist, Jared Novelly dropped a bombshell ahead of his team’s most important game ever. Now, CODE SPORTS reveals the inside details of the boilover attempt.
‘Not for sale’: Kestelman rejects hostile NBL takeover bid
NBL owner Larry Kestelman has shut down the bombshell revelation that Donald Trump ally and billionaire oil tycoon Jared Novelly is plotting a hostile takeover of the league.
SuperCoach champ: Young mum-of-three wins 4WD in second season
Charlotte Phillips beat the odds, mastering the chaos of parenting while crafting the perfect fantasy basketball strategy to take home the ultimate SuperCoach NBL prize – a brand-new Mitsubishi 4×4.
NBL slap Tatum with fine for angsty post match tirade
The NBL has handed out a fine to Illawarra Hawks coach Justin Tatum for his contentious post-match comments at game three, MATT LOGUE reports.
‘No tomorrow’: Big in for grand final decider
The NBL grand final will go to a fifth and deciding game and the hosts for the decider could get some positive injury news after losing a star.
Choke job: How United blew golden title opportunity
Melbourne United had a golden opportunity to win the NBL title in front of 10,000 home fans, but choked to an injury depleted Illawarra Hawks. MICHAEL RANDALL analyses what went wrong.
Hawks upset United’s party to book NBL title decider
The NBL Championship Finals series is going to game five, after the injury shot Illawarra Hawks toppled Melbourne United to keep the series alive.
Actor’s ‘gross’ courtside act turns heads
This popular US actor has been photographed vomiting in the front row while attending a basketball game at Madison Square Garden.
Hawks silent on ‘Diddy list’ amid BA integrity unit involvement
Justin Tatum’s “Diddy list” comment at the NBL awards ceremony raised eyebrows. More than a month on, CROSSCOURT can reveal it’s caught the attention of Basketball Australia’s integrity unit.
Horror slump that ignited NBL grand final hero
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.
Delly’s LA eye and the puke that might have sealed NBL title
Matthew Dellavedova still found the strength to lead Melbourne United to victory as his body surrendered. It’s why when the Boomers legend says he’s eyeing the LA Olympics, no one can write him off.
Future Boomers: How Aussies have fared in college basketball
The US college pathway is a top choice for young Aussie basketballers. Ahead of the NCAA tournament, we’ve broken down the season of every Aussie male in Division 1 — from future NBA stars to possible NBL talents.
NBL legend’s legal fight ends in flames
The protracted defamation fight between Shane Heal and the Sydney Flames has wrapped up – and it is bad news for the NBL legend, plus much more in CROSSCOURT.
How Giddey fell back in love with basketball after NBA nightmare
He’s having a career best year with the Bulls, Josh Giddey says the NBA trade was the best thing for his love of the game MATT LOGUE writes.
Tatum fumes as United pounce on Hawk’s injury to take game 3
It will go down as one of the great wins in Melbourne United history, but Illawarra coach Justin Tatum was left fuming after what he thought was the visitors preying on a Hawk’s injury.
Defensive star ruled out as United need White to fire
Melbourne United’s title hopes have been dealt a massive blow with a defensive star ruled out of Sunday’s crucial game three – and in doubt for the remainder of the series.
When a travel’s not a travel? Refs respond to grand final controversy
Melbourne United fans were up in arms over a missed call on Illawarra Hawks’ closer Tyler Harvey’s grand final series-tying three. But were the refs right, wrong or both? WATCH AND HAVE YOUR SAY
Kings’ million dollar man facing more punishment after ban
Sydney Kings captain Xavier Cooks has served majority of his one month doping ban but he could be facing further punishment from the club, MATT LOGUE reports.
Star guard issue raises questions
Losing on home court was bad enough for Melbourne United but now a star guard with a history of concussions is under a cloud for game three.
Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/basketball