Delly serves up game-winning dish to White

• Melbourne United's NBA connection delivers at the buzzer
• Jack White has 11th double-double of NBL25
• Sydney again get down big before making a run

Matthew Dellavedova's pinpoint assist to Jack White on a perfectly executed sideline out-of-bounds-play broke Sydney's heart as Melbourne United beat the Kings 90-88 (Game Centre) at the buzzer at Qudos Bank Arena on Thursday, January 9, 2025 in Round 16 of NBL25.

"We knew it was going to be tough coming into Sydney's backyard," White said post-match.

"But we stuck to our game plan and trusted each other in those final moments.

"Delly's vision to find me under the basket was just incredible — that's why he's played at the highest level."

White, 27, got open on a rock-solid back screen at the free throw line and then made a tough lay-up right at the rim to silence the home crowd, capping off a rollercoaster encounter in which United squandered a 20-point lead.

The match was a tale of two halves, with Melbourne dominating early before Sydney mounted a spirited comeback (again).

United stormed out of the gates, building a commanding 32-16 lead by the end of the first quarter. Their crisp ball movement and transition extended the advantage to 20 points midway through the third quarter.

However, the Kings, spurred on by their vociferous supporters, refused to go down without a fight. Led by the former NBA player and NBL MVP Xavier Cooks and the sharpshooting Kouat Noi, Sydney unleashed two separate 16-2 runs in the second half, erasing United's lead and setting up a nail-biting finish.

With just 5.5 seconds left and the scores level at 88-88, the stage was set for Melbourne's moment of magic.

Melbourne's 27 fast-break points and 20 points off Sydney's 15 turnovers proved decisive.

White emerged as the hero for Melbourne, delivering a stellar performance with 23 points and 10 rebounds. His 11th double-double of the season couldn't have come at a more opportune moment, as he hit several clutch shots before converting Dellavedova's assist to seal the win.

For Sydney, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially given the herculean efforts of Xavier Cooks.

The Kings' forward notched 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in a losing cause. His all-around display epitomised Sydney's never-say-die attitude, but ultimately fell short of securing the win.

The clash was Goorjian's 850th in the NBL as player and coach.

"When it came up, I definitely had a nice little reflection on how fortunate I am and all the good people that I've been around," said the six-time NBL championship winner.

"I'm really blessed and really thankful, and really disappointed we lost tonight."

Earlier in the day, the Kings' NBL25 run to the playoffs was thrown into turmoil when the club made the decision to void replacement import point guard Lamonte Turner's contract because he failed the team physical.

The victory solidified Melbourne United in second at 14-9, while Sydney slips to 13-10. Both teams face quick turnarounds, with the Kings hosting the Cairns Taipans on Sunday January 12, 2025 and United travelling to New Plymouth to take on the New Zealand Breakers on Monday, January 13, 2025.