The NBL Grand Final series continues – game 3 returns to Melbourne as Melbourne United face the Adelaide 36ers. Join The Roar at 7:30pm AEDT for a live blog and scores.
After a strong win in game 1 Melbourne were comprehensively beaten by a high octane Adelaide offence.
Adelaide learnt from their mistakes in game 1 and prevented Melbourne from dominating on the offensive boards.
A big reason behind this was an early injury to Josh Boone who left with a hip injury, while he was out Adelaide took their opportunities and blew the game open.
Despite returning to the game Boone was unable to have as much of an impact as he did in game 1.
Adelaide was well below their best in game 1 struggling to get defensive rebounds and their run and gun offence was nullified, however in game 2 thanks to the previous mentioned injury to Boone they were able to get out on the break and score at will against Melbourne.
Melbourne put on a late run thanks to Chris Goulding firing from long range however he was playing a lone hand for most of the second half and couldn’t get the United team close enough to get them back into the game.
A late injury to Josh Childress may prove a turning point for this series as he was playing well for Adelaide and for them to be successful they need him to be at his best, Boone and Casper Ware were injured for the United team in the previous 2 games, however they both were able to play game 2, finishing out the games.
A return to Melbourne will help with Melbourne’s confidence as the Adelaide crowd was into the game early, the Melbourne fans will return the favour and provide that extra spark.
Prediction
The big question will be how the injuries to Boone and Josh Childress affect their respective sides, Boone returned so he should be close to fully healed but.
Childress’ injury appeared more serious at the time and his icing at the end of the game made it look more serious than it may have been.
The home crowd and the injury cloud for Adelaide will be the big factors of this game. If Casper Ware and Chris Goulding are able to score early then Melbourne may be able to do enoug to get them over the line and take back the series lead.
Melbourne by 6
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Melbourne take the 2-1 series lead as they look to close out in Adelaide. The Melbourne United team won a thriller against Adelaide as Majok Deng missed a game tying three pointer right at the buzzer. The game was spiteful and entertaining as both teams went toe to toe at every quarter and even at the breaks. Nathan Sobey was ejected after a halftime scuffle with Caspar Ware and then after the final buzzer Shannon Shorter got into Carrick Felix's face and tried to start a fight with him. Adelaide showed grit and determination to keep it close but Melbourne's high powered offence was more than capable enough to keep them close. Melbourne lead 2-1 and game 4 is going to be exciting.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
He was 3/3 and played really well in the final quarter.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Deng misses the game tying three at the buzzer and Melbourne win a thriller. Melbourne 101 Adelaide 98. Melbourne now lead the series 2-1 Shorter and Carrick Felix get into it after the game can we play game 4 now this is fun.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Majok Deng to take a game-winning three? Really?
Scott Pryde
Expert
This series! Everything a grand final series should be. And there's still two games to go!
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Wow this is a great game.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Ware misses 1 free throw and it is a 3 point game with 3.3 seconds left.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Casper Ware is fouled and will go to the line to shoot 2.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
4 seconds left in the game .
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Adelaide get the ball in a turnover but it is locked up and United get the ball back thanks to the possession arrow.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Moore makes 1. Moore makes 2. 2 point game 20 seconds to go.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Moore drives the lane and is fouled. He is at the line to shoot 2.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Majok Deng has been impressive in this final term and the 36ers are down by 4 with less than a minute to play. Melbourne 100 Adelaide 96. WHAT A GAME!
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Moore makes two free throws for Adelaide and they are still in it. Melbourne 100 Adelaide 94.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Scoring going back and forth right now with Deng getting a three but Casey Prather responds with a 2 to keep the 8 point lead intact. Melbourne 100 Adelaide 92.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Not sure what the referee's are doing in this game but they are making some interesting calls. Ramone Moore is at the line shooting 2. Melbourne 96 Adelaide 89. 3:40 to play.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
11 point lead to Melbourne. Shannon Shorter and Caspar Ware are going at each other in this quarter and the crowd is LOVING it. Melbourne 91 Adelaide 85.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Adelaide are trying to force the baskets and they keep missing. Melbourne as they have been most of the night are scoring at will. Melbourne 93 Adelaide 83. 6:15 remains final quarter.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Tai Wesley has been fouled out.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Goulding and Drmic have both their arms locked up and Drmic ends up flipping Goulding off of him. Both players should be called for the foul but unfortunately for Drmic he is given an unsportsmanlike foul. Goulding makes both free throws and it is back to a 6 point lead. Melbourne 87 Adelaide 81.