How to watch & talking points: Melbourne v New Zealand (Round 5, NBL26)

Sunday, October 19, 2025

melbourne united

new zealand beakers

The undefeated Melbourne United will host the re-energised New Zealand Breakers at John Cain Arena.

Melbourne United v New Zealand Breakers
Sunday, October 19, 2.30pm AEDT
John Cain Arena

How to watch‍

‍Watch every Sunday game live on ESPN and Channel 10.

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Talking points

Doyle’s clutch gene
Just when it was looking like the Bullets would pull off an incredible comeback, Milton Doyle stepped up to deliver in the clutch once again. Although an inefficient night from United’s superstar, it was the fourth quarter where he hit numerous big shots and put the game out of reach from Brisbane.

Brockington’s aggression pats off
Izaiah Brockington has got off to a rocky start in New Zealand, but the import guard was aggressive from the opening tip on Friday and helped put the Breakers into the driver's seat.

Mark Worthington called for him to help Parker Jackson-Cartwright and he did just that, helping lead his team to a much-needed win.

What they're saying

United coach Dean Vickerman after his team moved to 6-0:
‍"I think it’s about what we talked about before the game (on Friday), asking "What do we want to celebrate?'.

"When you get on a bit of a winning streak, you have to keep driving to say "The things that we’ve been great at, can we improve on some of those’, and for moments we did tonight, and moments we didn’t"."

Breakers coach Petteri Koponen after Friday's victory over Tasmania:
‍"The biggest thing [from the game] was we took care of the ball, which was something we emphasised a lot [during the week].

"We controlled the game and were pretty good defensively (holding Tasmania to just 65 points, their lowest scoring output on NBL26).

"Although we didn't shoot well, we found a way to win, because we took care of the basketball and showed plenty of poise.

"[In games] it comes down to the little things and executing and I thought this was a very mature performance by us, as we never relaxed or took any possessions off."