Bullets vs United: Adams Shines, But Bullets Need Miracles to Salvage Season

The Brisbane Bullets’ playoff hopes suffered a devastating setback in their Bullets vs United clash on Australia Day, collapsing under Melbourne’s relentless onslaught in a 115-88 defeat at a sold-out Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Already reeling from a crippling injury crisis, the Bullets lost import Keandre Cook to chest pains—hospitalised mid-game—and forward Josh Bannan to a pre-game concussion, compounding a nightmare season that now hinges on a series of improbable outcomes.


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United’s Second-Quarter Surge Seals Fate

Melbourne (17-10) flexed their title credentials with a merciless 35-14 second-quarter blitz, turning a competitive first term into a rout. Matthew Dellavedova (14 points, six assists) orchestrated the carnage, while Ian Clark (24 points) rediscovered his scoring touch and Chris Goulding (16 points) electrified the crowd with a rare dunk-and-flex combo.

For Brisbane, late-season signing Josh Adams (23 points, seven rebounds) delivered his best performance in Bullets colours, and Tohi Smith-Milner (16 points, eight rebounds) battled tirelessly, but the absence of seven rotation players proved insurmountable.

Tied 26-26 after a scrappy opening quarter, the Bullets’ thin rotation unravelled under Melbourne’s precision led by Dellavedova. The former NBA guard’s aggressive drives ignited a 16-2 run in the second quarter, and a Jack White alley-oop off Dellavedova’s assist in the fourth quarter—epitomising United’s dominance—punctuated a 30-point lead.

Playoff Pulse: A Mirage of Hope

At 11-16, the Bullets remain mathematically alive for sixth place, but their path demands near-perfect alignment. To clinch a play-in berth, Brisbane must win their final two road games against the Adelaide 36ers (12-13, sixth) and last-placed Cairns Taipans while relying on the 36ers to lose all three remaining matches—including clashes with South East Melbourne and Perth—and Tasmania (12-13, seventh) to drop two of three games against title contenders Illawarra Hawks and Melbourne.

Even then, they must dominate their final outings to overtake Adelaide and Tasmania on points percentage (points scored divided by points conceded), the NBL’s tiebreaker.

Amid the bleak outlook, coach Justin Schueller’s resolve echoed the team’s fighting spirit. “We haven’t allowed an excuse all year,” he said, referencing a cursed season marked by “black cats, ladders, and broken windows” at their facility. “We’ve got two games now we have to win.”


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The Bullets’ campaign—a story of grit overshadowed by misfortune—now rests on a Friday night showdown in Adelaide. For a team stripped to its bones, victory alone may not suffice—but it’s a start. In a league where top seeds Illawarra and Melbourne still jostle for position, Brisbane’s faint heartbeat persists. As their fans know all too well: miracles can happen—but time is running out.

Published 26-January-2025


Match preview published 25-January-2025

Bullets vs United: Brisbane’s Postseason Hinge on Australia Day Showdown

Bullets vs United: Brisbane’s Postseason Hinge on Australia Day Showdown

The Brisbane Bullets revived their NBL playoff hopes with a gritty 93-87 road win over the New Zealand Breakers on Friday—and now face a season-defining test against Melbourne United on Australia Day, 26 January. Bullets vs United tip off 1:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.


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Bullets Rally in Christchurch

Brisbane’s resilience shone in New Zealand, where they overcame a 12-2 deficit early and held firm amid a late Breakers surge. Sharpshooters Casey Prather (24 points, 8 rebounds, 5/11 3PT) and Keandre Cook (26 points, 6 assists, 5/12 3PT) combined for 10 three-pointers, while Josh Bannan (17 points, 7 rebounds) delivered clutch baskets down the stretch.

After trailing early, the Bullets exploded with a 19-7 first-quarter run, fuelled by Prather and Cook’s hot hands. They led the rest of the way, weathering a late Breakers charge that cut the deficit to two with 1:30 remaining. A poised floater from Tohi Smith-Milner (10 points, 7 rebounds) with 18 seconds left iced the game, capping a gutsy team effort.

Brisbane sank 14/37 (37%) from deep, outscoring New Zealand 42-18 beyond the arc, and stifled Breakers star Parker Jackson-Cartwright to 19 points on 6/16 shooting. Despite missing Tyrell Harrison, Rocco Zikarsky, and Emmett Naar, replacement big Callum Dalton contributed crucial minutes.

“I also felt we got our swagger and vibe back,” said coach Justin Schueller. “What’s exciting to me is … the understanding of what we need to go and get done.”

Bullets vs United

With momentum secured in New Zealand, the Bullets now face a stiffer test: a sold-out Australia Day clash against second-place Melbourne United (16-10). A loss almost surely ends their season. A win keeps hope alive.

Brisbane stunned Melbourne 89-83 earlier this month to snap a 12-game losing streak in the rivalry. To topple United again, they must stifle Melbourne’s league-leading three-point efficiency, neutralise All-NBL guard Chris Goulding, and harness energy from a home crowd amplified by Australia Day festivities.

United arrive in Brisbane after a gruelling seven-game road stretch, including a 48-hour turnaround from Perth. “We want to make sure we put on a deserving show to get that opportunity to keep our season alive,” said Schueller.


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The Bullets have defied odds all season—from injury chaos to late-game collapses—but Sunday demands their best. For a team built on resilience, Australia Day could be their defining moment.

Bullets vs United: Brisbane’s Woes Continue Against Melbourne

The Brisbane Bullets’ search for a win against Melbourne United continues as they suffer a 120-103 defeat at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Yet another loss in the Bullets vs United matchup marked a 12th consecutive defeat against the Victorian side dating back to March 2021.


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Norton’s milestone night interrupted by power outage

In his 350th NBL game, captain Mitch Norton demonstrated his continued importance in his 13th professional season. Starting his career as the youngest-ever Townsville Crocodiles captain at age 18, Norton’s trademark hustle plays and efficiency set high standards for his teammates. His milestone evening begins perfectly as he scores the game’s opening basket, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

With 3:24 remaining and trailing 104-89, the game experienced an unexpected 30-minute delay due to a power failure. Following the interruption, the Bullets showed a brief fightback but ultimately could not bridge the gap, with United maintaining their advantage to secure the 17-point victory.

Offensive efficiency, defensive challenges

Keandre Cook erupted for a game-high 23 points, leading the Bullets’ scorers. Cook’s efficiency at the free-throw line was on full display, as he converted all 11 of his attempts. This aggressive, attack-minded approach from the Bullets was reflected in their impressive 29-for-33 performance from the charity stripe as a team.

Casey Prather added 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Josh Bannan chipped in 17 points and 6 boards. Tyrell Harrison also made his mark, finishing with 13 points and 6 rebounds.

Even with coach Justin Schueller placing a heavy emphasis on defensive intensity, the Bullets were unable to stop Melbourne United, who poured in 85 points through the first three quarters. The Bullets got outmuscled and out-hustled: United outscored Brisbane 44-32 in the paint, 20-13 in second-chance opportunities, and 13-4 advantage in transition.

Looking forward

The loss drops Brisbane to a 3-5 record after playing a league-low eight games. They now have an extended break before facing the Tasmania JackJumpers at MyState Bank Arena on Friday, 15 November, followed by a home clash against the Perth Wildcats on Sunday, 17 November.


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The loss also carries additional concern with experienced forward Jarred Bairstow suffering what appeared to be a serious lower leg injury, adding another challenge for the team to overcome as they look to improve their position in NBL25.

Published 08-November-2024


Match preview published on 03-November-2024.

Bullets vs United: Bullets Look to Upset Melbourne in Norton’s Landmark Game

Bullets vs United: Bullets Look to Upset United in Norton's Landmark Game

The Brisbane Bullets (3-4) are set to celebrate captain Mitch Norton’s 350th NBL game when they host second-ranked Melbourne United (7-3) this Thursday, 7 November. Bullets vs United tip off 6:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.


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Strong form despite early struggles

Fresh off an impressive 92-88 comeback victory against the Cairns Taipans, the Bullets showcased their trademark late-game resilience—a consistent factor throughout the early season. Norton’s defensive excellence was evident in Cairns, where he spent most of his 33 minutes containing Taipans’ star Rob Edwards.

“We’re very lucky to have him and there is not a person in our organisation that doesn’t feel that way,” says coach Justin Schueller, discussing Norton’s influence. “We’re going to make sure we celebrate that [his 350th game] the right way.”

Evolving guard rotation; patient youth development

The Bullets’ guard rotation has transformed from its initial NBL25 strategy. What began with James Batemon starting and Norton coming off the bench has evolved into an effective partnership, with Norton starting and Batemon providing scoring punch as sixth man.

Batemon’s offensive firepower was on full display in Cairns, leading all scorers with 21 points, while centre Tyrell Harrison dominated the boards with 14 points and 20(!) rebounds.

While veterans lead the charge, the Bullets maintain a measured approach to youth development. NBA prospect Rocco Zikarsky’s playing time—averaging under 10 minutes per game with just 5 minutes in Cairns—has been a subject of fan discussion online. Veteran teammate Casey Prather emphasises patience in the 18-year-old’s journey.

“There’s no ceiling, the only thing is going to be him and how hard he can take it on, and how patient he is,” Prather tells Sydney Morning Herald. “NBA teams are salivating over him right now.”


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Bullets vs United

Melbourne United arrives as one of the NBL’s hottest teams, riding a three-game winning streak and showcasing their championship credentials. The Bullets’ recent form, winning three of their last four games, suggests they’re ready for the challenge against the league’s second-ranked outfit.

With both teams hitting their stride, Thursday’s clash promises high-quality basketball between two in-form sides.