Grand Final berths have been decided in the last season of the NBL as we know it, and it’s no real surprise that it’s an all Melbourne affair.
Given the Tigers longevity in the league it seems only fitting that they contest this final flag.
Taking out their best of three semi-final series with two straight wins over the Breakers showed they’re in form and in the hunt to go back to back.
It also seems fitting, after all Brian Goorjian has given to basketball in this country, that he too should have a chance of taking the last flag.
The Dragons did it a bit tougher, taking three games to overcome an inspired Crocs outfit, but showed in the last game at Hisense Arena they would not be denied the opportunity.
With Melbourne’s support of basketball this season the fans will surely pack out the stadiums to watch what is shaping up to be a great contest against the two hottest teams in the league.
Finishing first and second after the regular season the Dragons and Tigers have worked hard to set up this all Melbourne contest, the Dragons finishing with a league best 22-8 record, the Tigers not far behind on 20 and 10.
As a matter of interest this will be the first all-Victorian NBL Grand Final since 1997, when the South-East Melbourne Magic, led by South Dragons current coach Brian Goorjian, defeated the Melbourne Tigers 2-1 in a then three-game series.
The current format will run a best of five series beginning Wednesday 4th March at Hisense Arena and promises to be one worth watching.
Redb
Guest
Go Tigers. One down but there are still four games to go. Redb
Trevor
Guest
Vicki. I was just going on the information I received from what I believed to be a very reliable source. I've just done some more research and yes, you're right. Looks like SE beat Melbourne in '96. Either way it'll be an interesting match up.
tommy hawk
Guest
Go dragons, I just put $900 on them @the odds of $1.85. get on it. they match up very well with the tigers.
Vicki
Guest
Mate it was the Tigers who beat the Magic 2 game to 1 they came from second last to win 17 straight before losing game 2 of the grand final and then won the third. I know I was at all three games trust me the Tigers won that year.