Matthew Dellavedova’s return as an offensive threat has sharpened Melbourne’s NBL title charge, United consolidating second spot with a cruisy 115-88 win in Brisbane.
The injury-ravaged Bullets were dealt further blows to their squad, with Josh Bannan (concussion) a pre-game scratching and Keandre Cook hurt in Sunday’s loss.
Justin Schueller’s side had defied that adversity to win in New Zealand on Friday but, after an even first term, it was one-way traffic at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
Dellavedova (14 points, six assists) backed up his 17-point showing in Perth on Wednesday with another aggressive start to set the tone, while Ian Clark (24 points) found form and Chris Goulding (16 points) didn’t miss the chance to fill his boots.
It was Melbourne’s fifth win from their past seven games.
Cairns’ upset defeats of Illawarra (17-9, first) and Perth (15-11, fifth) this round means United (17-10) are now a win clear of third-placed Sydney and pushing the Hawks with two regular-season games remaining.
The Bullets (11-16) are a win back from Tasmania and Adelaide, who have games in hand, in the fight for sixth and a play-in berth.
Averaging 10.6 points and seven assists this season, NBA championship-winner Dellavedova attacked the rim in a 35-14 second quarter that blew the game open.
He then played provider, assisting for a Jack White (17 points) alley-oop as the lead swelled to 30 points in the final quarter.
Goulding fouled out in the final quarter after making four-of-eight triples, the 36-year-old even flexing after tucking in a dunk in the third term.
Late-season Brisbane arrival Josh Adams had his most productive game at the club, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Fellow import Casey Prather (15 points) couldn’t provide the heroics, while Tohi Smith-Milner (16 points, eight rebounds) and Isaac White had 12 points off the bench.
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