Sport
24 September, 2024
Delly fires in 2024/25 season tipoff
It was the ideal start to the season for Matthew Dellavedova and Melbourne United, with the Maryborough product’s best on court performance helping propel United to a first-up win as the National Basketball League (NBL) 2025 season tipped off.

United conquered the team that denied them in 2024, the Tasmania JackJumpers, in the opening game of HoopsFest, with Dellavedova playing a starring role.
Dellavedova helped set up United throughout the first three quarters, scoring all 21 of his points in that timeframe, which included a dominant third quarter which saw him pour in 12 points.
A game-breaking run of seven consecutive points from Dellavedova helped United take control of the game, while he was also able to set up others with his playmaking, with Jack White (14 points and seven rebounds) and Shea Ili (14 points) also feasting on the JackJumpers.
That form saw United’s two-point half time lead grow to a 13-point three-quarter-time lead, and United were able to make all the right plays in the final term to win 88-79.
Dellavedova’s third quarter explosion saw him awarded player of the game for his 21 points on seven of 12 shooting, while also having a game-high six assists and collecting three rebounds.
Dellavedova’s next assignment will be the Throwdown when Melbourne United meet cross-town rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday night.