United front: Defence key to Melbourne's title push

Dean Vickerman has long been known for shaping his Melbourne United sides into defensive powerhouses, and the fourth quarter of the Blitz showcased that perfectly.

United's relentless guard pressure restricted the Bullets to just four points in the final 10 minutes, while Melbourne surged ahead with 34 points of their own.

Among several standout performers across the CODE Sports NBL Blitz, it was new import guard Tyson Walker who has fans buzzing ahead of a new campaign.

“I think we've all been pushing him to really use his speed a little bit more and I thought he bought into that tonight and really pushed the pace to a point where he's absolutely cooked and challenged his fitness a little bit,” Vickerman told the Melbourne United website.

“The combination of getting to the rim and being able to shoot the three ball and distribute, you know, we get Shea Ili healthy as well and we've got two guys that our guys are gonna have to keep up with in the way that they're pushing the basketball.”

Walker, Jesse Edwards and Milton Doyle are Melbourne's three new imports, each stepping up with key moments to lead the way for this refreshed lineup.

Finn Delany also made a strong impact and shapes as another vital addition.

The 30-year-old was an All-NBL Second Team member back in 2021 and looks primed to get back to his best form. 

“I thought Finn Delaney was a massive factor in how we started the game," Vickerman said. 

"Aggressive, putting his feet in the paint, really in an attack mode and I think that translated a little bit to the defensive end."

United has one more pre-season game on the schedule, taking on the Brisbane Bullets on the Sunshine Coast on September 12.

Read the full story here >> ‘Aggressive’ victory a good way to end the Blitz says Vickerman