South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Melbourne United Match Player Stats 2024-25 NBL Season:Breakdown

Introduction

The South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Melbourne United rivalry known as the Throwdown is a cornerstone of the Australian NBL igniting passion among fans with its intense battles and high stakes performances. In the 2024-25 season these Melbourne based teams clashed multiple times, delivering thrilling games that showcased star players tactical depth and dramatic finishes. This dives into the player stats from their key 2024-25 regular season matchups on September 26, 2024, December 14, 2024, and February 8, 2025 drawing from credible sources like ESPN.com, Proballers.com semphoenix.com.au, and melbourneutd.com.au. Aimed at fans, fantasy players, and analysts, this guide unpacks the performances driving this iconic rivalry, offering insights into team dynamics statistical trends and fantasy implications to secure a South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Melbourne United match player stats.

Rivalry Context and 2024-25 Matchups

The Phoenix and United share a fierce rivalry, with Melbourne United holding a historical edge, winning 20 of 30 head-to-head NBL games since the Phoenix’s inception in 2018 (AiScore.com). In the 2024-25 season, United topped the NBL standings with a 19-10 record, while the Phoenix struggled at 16-13, battling for playoff contention (nbl.com.au). Their three regular season encounters were pivotal:

• September 26, 2024, at John Cain Arena (Phoenix home): United won 96-84 (ESPN.com).
• December 14, 2024, at John Cain Arena (Phoenix home): Phoenix won 109-97 (ESPN.com).
• February 8, 2025, at John Cain Arena (United home): United won 101-94 (Proballers.com).

Below, we analyze player stats from each game, highlighting key contributors, tactical insights, and trends that shaped these outcomes.

September 26, 2024: Melbourne United 96, South East Melbourne Phoenix 84

Game Overview

United opened the 2024-25 season with a commanding 96-84 victory at John Cain Arena, leveraging a balanced attack and stout defense to outpace the Phoenix (ESPN.com). Chris Goulding’s sharpshooting and Shea Ili’s playmaking set the tone, while the Phoenix struggled with 15 turnovers and 38% three-point shooting (Proballers.com). United’s 24-12 third quarter proved decisive.

South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Stats

• Matt Hurt (F): 20 points (8/14 FG, 2/5 3P), 7 rebounds. Hurt’s scoring kept the Phoenix in contention (ESPN.com).
• Derrick Walton Jr. (G): 14 points (5/11 FG), 5 assists, 2 steals. Walton’s turnovers (4) hurt momentum (Proballers.com).
• Nathan Sobey (G): 12 points (4/10 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 assists. Sobey’s inefficient shooting limited his impact (ESPN.com).
• Angus Glover (G): 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal. Glover’s defense on Goulding was notable (Proballers.com).
• Majok Majok (C): 8 points, 6 rebounds. Majok struggled against United’s frontcourt (ESPN.com).

The Phoenix’s bench contributed 20 points, but their 15 turnovers and 42% field goal shooting underscored offensive struggles (Proballers.com).

Melbourne United Player Stats

• Chris Goulding (G): 22 points (8/13 FG, 5/8 3P), 3 assists. Goulding’s three-point barrage led United (ESPN.com).
• Shea Ili (G): 16 points (6/10 FG), 6 assists, 3 rebounds. Ili’s playmaking fueled United’s offense (Proballers.com).
• Jack White (F): 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks. White’s two-way play dominated the paint (ESPN.com).
• Ian Clark (G): 12 points (4/7 FG, 2/4 3P), 2 assists. Clark’s bench spark was clutch (Proballers.com).
• Rob Loe (C): 10 points, 5 rebounds. Loe’s presence bolstered United’s interior (ESPN.com).

United shot 48% from the field and outrebounded the Phoenix 40-34, with their bench adding 24 points (Proballers.com).

Key Takeaways

United’s perimeter shooting, led by Goulding, and Ili’s tempo control overwhelmed the Phoenix’s defense. Hurt and Walton kept the Phoenix competitive, but turnovers and a weak third quarter sealed their fate (ESPN.com).

December 14, 2024: South East Melbourne Phoenix 109, Melbourne United 97

Game Overview

The Phoenix flipped the script in a 109-97 upset at John Cain Arena, snapping United’s early-season dominance (ESPN.com). Matt Hurt’s scoring explosion and Derrick Walton Jr.’s playmaking powered a 30-18 fourth-quarter surge, while United’s 16 turnovers and 40% three-point shooting faltered (Proballers.com). The Phoenix’s bench outscored United’s 32-18, a key factor.

South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Stats

• Matt Hurt (F): 28 points (10/16 FG, 3/5 3P), 8 rebounds, 2 assists. Hurt’s versatility led the Phoenix (ESPN.com).
• Derrick Walton Jr. (G): 18 points (6/11 FG), 8 assists, 3 rebounds. Walton’s clutch plays sealed the win (Proballers.com).
• Nathan Sobey (G): 16 points (6/12 FG), 5 assists. Sobey’s aggression sparked the offense (ESPN.com).
• Joe Wieskamp (F): 14 points (5/8 FG), 4 rebounds. Wieskamp’s bench scoring was pivotal (Proballers.com).
• Angus Glover (G): 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals. Glover’s defense disrupted United’s guards (ESPN.com).

The Phoenix shot 50% from the field and forced 16 turnovers, showcasing their defensive intensity (Proballers.com).

Melbourne United Player Stats

• Chris Goulding (G): 20 points (7/14 FG, 4/9 3P), 2 assists. Goulding led but faded late (ESPN.com).
• Shea Ili (G): 14 points, 5 assists, 3 turnovers. Ili struggled under Phoenix pressure (Proballers.com).
• Jack White (F): 12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block. White’s impact was limited by fouls (ESPN.com).
• Ian Clark (G): 10 points, 3 assists. Clark’s bench contribution was subdued (Proballers.com).
• Rob Loe (C): 8 points, 6 rebounds. Loe was outplayed by Phoenix’s frontcourt (ESPN.com).

United’s 16 turnovers and 44% field goal shooting reflected offensive disarray, with their bench managing just 18 points (Proballers.com).

Key Takeaways

The Phoenix’s defensive pressure and Hurt’s scoring outburst capitalized on United’s turnovers. Walton’s playmaking and Wieskamp’s bench spark outshone United’s usually reliable guards, marking a statement win (ESPN.com).

February 8, 2025: Melbourne United 101, South East Melbourne Phoenix 94

Game Overview

United reclaimed dominance at home with a 101-94 victory, led by Shea Ili’s all-around performance and Chris Goulding’s clutch shooting (Proballers.com). The Phoenix, despite Matt Hurt’s consistent scoring, couldn’t overcome United’s 52% field goal shooting and 12-4 fast-break points advantage (ESPN.com). A 27-18 fourth quarter secured United’s win.

South East Melbourne Phoenix Player Stats

• Matt Hurt (F): 22 points (9/15 FG, 2/4 3P), 7 rebounds. Hurt remained the Phoenix’s offensive anchor (Proballers.com).
• Derrick Walton Jr. (G): 16 points (6/12 FG), 6 assists, 2 steals. Walton’s efforts weren’t enough (ESPN.com).
• Nathan Sobey (G): 14 points (5/11 FG), 4 assists. Sobey’s late shots rimmed out (Proballers.com).
• Angus Glover (G): 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals. Glover’s defense was solid but offensively limited (ESPN.com).
• Joe Wieskamp (F): 10 points, 4 rebounds. Wieskamp’s bench role was steady (Proballers.com).

The Phoenix’s bench scored 20 points, but their 10 turnovers and 46% field goal shooting fell short (Proballers.com).

Melbourne United Player Stats

• Shea Ili (G): 20 points (8/13 FG), 7 assists, 4 rebounds. Ili’s leadership drove United (Proballers.com).
• Chris Goulding (G): 18 points (6/12 FG, 4/7 3P), 3 assists. Goulding’s clutch threes were decisive (ESPN.com).
• Jack White (F): 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks. White’s two-way play shone (Proballers.com).
• Ian Clark (G): 14 points (5/8 FG), 2 assists. Clark’s bench scoring was efficient (ESPN.com).
• Rob Loe (C): 12 points, 6 rebounds. Loe’s interior presence anchored United (Proballers.com).

United’s bench added 22 points, and their 14 steals reflected defensive aggression (Proballers.com).

Key Takeaways

United’s balanced attack, led by Ili and Goulding, capitalized on fast-break opportunities. Hurt’s scoring kept the Phoenix close, but United’s defensive pressure and late-game execution secured the win (Proballers.com).

Key Players and Trends

South East Melbourne Phoenix

• Matt Hurt: Averaging 20.1 PPG and 7.4 RPG, Hurt’s 20-28 points in these games cement his role as the Phoenix’s top scorer (nbl.com.au).
• Derrick Walton Jr.: Walton’s 14-18 points and 5-8 assists per game highlight his playmaking, though turnovers (4 in September) are a concern (Proballers.com).
• Nathan Sobey: Sobey’s 12-16 points and 4.7 APG provide veteran leadership, but his shooting efficiency (42% FG) needs improvement (nbl.com.au).
• Angus Glover: Glover’s 10-12 points and defensive tenacity (2 steals per game) make him a two-way asset (Proballers.com).
• Trend: The Phoenix’s bench (20-32 points) and steals (8-10 per game) fuel their up-tempo style, but turnovers (10-15) and inconsistent three-point shooting (38%) hinder them (ESPN.com).

Melbourne United

• Chris Goulding: Averaging 18.5 PPG, Goulding’s 18-22 points and 4-5 threes per game make him United’s perimeter threat (nbl.com.au).
• Shea Ili: Ili’s 14-20 points and 5-7 assists per game showcase his all-around impact (Proballers.com).
• Jack White: White’s 12-16 points and 7-9 rebounds per game bolster United’s frontcourt (nbl.com.au).
• Ian Clark: Clark’s 10-14 points off the bench add scoring depth (Proballers.com).
• Trend: United’s high field goal percentage (48-52%) and defensive steals (12-14) drive their success, though turnovers (16 in December) expose vulnerabilities (ESPN.com).

Fantasy and Betting Insights

For NBL Fantasy and FanDuel, Phoenix’s Matt Hurt (20.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG) and Derrick Walton Jr. (high assist totals) are must-starts against United, given their consistent output (nbl.com.au). United’s Chris Goulding (18.5 PPG, high three-point volume) and Shea Ili (versatile stats) are top picks, especially in points-heavy formats (Proballers.com). Sofascore.com notes United’s 66.7% win rate vs. Phoenix’s 33.3%, favoring United at home (AiScore.com). Bettors should target Hurt’s over on points and Goulding’s over on threes, given their performances (ESPN.com).

Why These Stats Matter

Player stats reveal team identities: the Phoenix’s reliance on Hurt’s scoring and Walton’s playmaking contrasts with United’s balanced attack led by Goulding and Ili. The Phoenix’s bench and defensive steals give them upset potential, while United’s shooting efficiency and frontcourt depth make them favorites (Proballers.com). For fans, these stats highlight stars like Hurt and White; for fantasy players, they guide roster choices; for bettors, they inform prop bets and spreads (Sofascore.com). These matchups underscore the NBL’s competitive intensity, with both teams vying for playoff supremacy (nbl.com.au).

Conclusion

The South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Melbourne United matchups in the 2024-25 NBL season, spanning September 26, December 14, 2024, and February 8, 2025, epitomized the Throwdown’s electric atmosphere. United’s 96-84 and 101-94 wins, driven by Chris Goulding’s sharpshooting (18-22 points) and Shea Ili’s versatility (14-20 points), showcased their championship pedigree (ESPN.com). The Phoenix’s 109-97 upset, fueled by Matt Hurt’s 28 points and Derrick Walton Jr.’s 8 assists, proved their resilience (Proballers.com). Despite United’s 2-1 series edge, the Phoenix’s defensive tenacity and bench scoring hint at future challenges (Sofascore.com). As both teams chase NBL glory, these player stats offer a window into their strengths and rivalries, making the Throwdown a must-watch spectacle. Whether you’re a Phoenix or United fan, these games capture the heart of Australian basketball’s passion and unpredictability.

Final Thought

The South East Melbourne Phoenix vs. Melbourne United 2024-25 NBL Throwdown, from the Phoenix’s 109-97 upset to United’s 101-94 triumph, showcased Matt Hurt’s scoring prowess and Chris Goulding’s clutch sharpshooting. This electrifying rivalry, defined by tactical brilliance and fierce passion, continues to ignite Melbourne’s basketball soul.

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