Overview

• Melbourne United overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat the Illawarra Hawks 96-88 in Game 1 of the NBL Grand Final series.
• Chris Goulding scored 10 points in the final quarter, while Matthew Dellavedova contributed a team-high 18 points, including key three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
• Marcus Lee made a significant impact with 14 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks, bolstering United's defense and rebounding efforts.
• Illawarra's Sam Froling led his team with 16 points, but the Hawks struggled offensively in the second half, scoring only 35 points after halftime.
• Game 2 of the best-of-five series is scheduled to take place in Melbourne on Wednesday night, where United will aim to build on their momentum.