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Melbourne United, who sit atop the NBL ladder, put on a clinic, thrashing the New Zealand Breakers 108-73 and cruising to their 11th win of the season.
United’s advantage grew to 30 points at halftime after scorching the struggling Breakers (4-10) offensively and putting the clamps on defensively after creating a 30-20 lead in the first quarter.
United (11-4) scored 60 points at halftime, the biggest halfway score of the season, and finished with the highest fulltime score in what was a complete dominance at John Cain Arena from start to end.
They put on a clinic in team basketball in the first half, distributing the ball, finding the open man, and attacking the Breakers’ coverage flaws.
In the first half, they had 18 assists on 21 field goal attempts, nailing six of their 17 long-range efforts, before finishing with 31 assists and 46%.
Dean Vickerman, United’s coach, stated, “I just liked the consistency of effort.”
“Having 31 assists is certainly something that we’ve been preaching about; how we move the basketball and how we get others involved and share it.
“I thought everybody was into the celebration of rewarding that extra ball movement tonight.
“‘I’m not sure if this club has had 31 assists since I’ve been here. So really pleased with that.”
Melbourne had seven players in double digits, with Caleb Agada leading the way with 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
As Dan Shamir’s team battled to create any form of offensive rhythm, the Breakers’ flaws were on full show.
Next Star Hugo Besson (17 points) and American newcomer Peyton Siva, on the other hand, showed promise (17 points).
“Losing a game by 35 there’s really not a lot to say,” Shamir added.
“First of all, hats off to United – everything that they’re doing, the way they impact the game definitely shows why they are in the first place and we are not.
“Obviously, not a good day for us on a lot fronts and other levels, but I think we’re better than that.
“So that’s definitely what my feeling is. Okay, we showed up today, got punched hard, but I think we’re better than that.”
