Doyle’s Fourth-Quarter Brilliance Lifts Melbourne United Over Taipans
Melbourne United’s offence, which had been sputtering for much of Thursday night’s clash in Cairns, found its spark thanks to a stellar performance from import Milton Doyle. In a dramatic comeback, United managed to secure an 89-85 victory over a struggling Cairns Taipans outfit, overcoming a deficit that had stretched to as many as 10 points.
The first half of the game saw United struggling to find their rhythm, missing a significant number of their field goal attempts. By the time the third quarter was drawing to a close, they had converted just 18 of their initial 50 shots. However, as the game entered its crucial final stages, Doyle ignited the United offence, leading them to a season-best 33-point final quarter.
This crucial win propels Melbourne United to a 19-12 record, bringing them within striking distance of the Perth Wildcats (19-11) who currently sit in fourth place. With only two games remaining in the regular season, United is fighting hard to secure a top-four finish.
The Importance of a Top-Four Spot
Finishing in the top four is not merely about pride; it carries significant strategic weight in the National Basketball League (NBL). A higher seeding guarantees a double chance in the playoffs, meaning teams get a second opportunity to reach the semi-finals if they falter in their initial game. This is a stark contrast to finishing sixth, which would pit United against a formidable Tasmania JackJumpers side in a sudden-death play-in match.
Stepping Up in Vicerman’s Absence
Adding another layer of challenge to this victory was the absence of head coach Dean Vickerman, who was hospitalised with appendicitis. Assistant coach Rhys Carter seamlessly stepped into the lead role at very short notice, guiding the team to a hard-fought win.
“We just toughed it out,” Carter commented after the game, acknowledging the team’s resilience. He admitted that early in the match, there might have been a “lack of clarity with what we were doing,” which allowed the Taipans to gain some easy points. However, he was quick to praise Doyle’s impactful fourth-quarter performance, stating, “And it helps that Milt stepped up and cooked in the fourth, I appreciate that.”
Key Moments and Taipans’ Missed Opportunities
The tide began to turn in the final minutes. Tyson Walker, who contributed 17 points for United, hit a crucial late triple. Simultaneously, Taipans point guard Andrew Andrews made a series of costly errors in his final three possessions, turning the ball over and allowing United to close the gap. Cairns managed to pull within two points in the dying moments of the game, but Andrews’ subsequent turnovers, including two while dribbling up the court on their final possessions, ultimately sealed their fate.
Taipans’ Season Concludes with Another Loss
For the Cairns Taipans, this loss marks another disappointing outing, bringing their season record to 9-23 with just one game left. While they are safely ahead of the last-placed Brisbane Bullets (6-25), the defeat underscores the challenges they’ve faced throughout the season.
McVeigh’s Future Secured in Cairns
On a brighter note for the Taipans, Jack McVeigh, who has been a standout player for the team, confirmed earlier on Thursday that he would be remaining with Cairns for the next season, exercising his mutual second-year contract option. McVeigh finished the game with an impressive 25 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
However, his performance was not without its blemishes. He committed five turnovers and was responsible for a couple of crucial offensive fouls down the stretch. His long-range shooting was also uncharacterised, hitting only one of his seven attempts from beyond the arc.
Andrews’ Triple-Double Dream Dashed
Andrew Andrews had a night of mixed fortunes. He flirted with a triple-double, tallying nine points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, but his shooting woes were evident. He missed his first seven field goal attempts and finished the game with a dismal two-of-11 shooting record from the field. One of his rare successful shots was a contested triple that brought the Taipans within two points, but it was not enough to spark a comeback.
Cairns coach Adam Forde expressed his relief and optimism regarding McVeigh’s decision to re-sign. “Last year it was the big domino to fall, late July,” Forde said, referencing the timing of McVeigh’s commitment. “To have that piece in February, early on, it’s good for multiple reasons. To have a marquee level player like Jack return, with the season we’ve had, is huge. It’s important now to construct the right pieces around him.”
Injury Concerns for United
Despite the victory, Melbourne United faces potential concerns regarding Shea Ili. The bench spark plug has been battling hamstring injuries throughout the season and was seen limping off the court in the second quarter after attempting a fast-break lay-up. His availability for upcoming games will be closely monitored.
