Melbourne United have now won nine games straight. Photo: melbunited.com.au
Although challenged in its match against the Adelaide 36ers, Melbourne United once again broke the game open when it counted to stretch their NBL winning streak to nine.
Coach Dean Vickerman spoke about what he described as a tough contest from the 36ers.
“Conner’s [Henry] done a really good job with that team,” he said.
“They were growing their defence, really pushed us out of stuff at times, they were really physical, and pressure was really good.
“We said at halftime that this is a really good basketball game, and we have to work hard to win it.
“I loved the way we kept playing the way we wanted to play and shooting those shots and we got the rewards for it, at the end.
“[A] tough game, but a really enjoyable game to coach in.”
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Vickerman was pleased with a very strong spread on display from the United side with five players recording over 10 points, and Jock Landale and Jo Lual-Acil having 10 rebounds each.
“I like that we’re not reliant on one or two guys, that there’s a good spread of scoring,” he said.
“Our bigs all had good games as well, Jock, Jo, Mase (Mason Peatling) and (David) Barlow they all had really effective games.”
When the 36ers pressure was at its peak, Mitch McCarron said United were definitely struggling.
He put it down more to failures from United’s end, rather than the performance of the opposition.
“With all respect to them, I thought it was a lot more about us letting ourselves down and not doing the little things rather than letting them play the way they wanted to,” McCarron said.
“As a team we called it out at halftime, saying that this [boxing out] is a bit poor and not up to standard.
“It’s really hard to win in this league if you don’t rebound.
“If we look after the ball, you know, we’re capable of getting really good shots, and that’ll help get our defensive transition going.”
McCarron’s role on the court has developed over time, and he touched on that as well.
“It is my job at times to make sure we’re getting through our stuff, to make sure we’re getting to the right places,” he said.
“And I’m enjoying that, I think it is my most desired position [point guard].
“It’s a credit to everyone who’s worked with me throughout my pro career and back to my college career and everyone who’s had a little faith in me developing.
“And yeah, trying to get a little better for the future.”
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