In a thrilling Melbourne derby, Melbourne United outlasted the South East Melbourne Phoenix 107-101 on August 23, 2025. United's clutch play in the final minutes secured a hard-fought six-point road victory in one of the NBL's most intense rivalries. The match was a high-scoring affair with multiple lead changes, featuring spectacular plays from star players on both sides. United managed to gain separation with a critical run in the fourth quarter, hitting key shots while getting crucial defensive stops to silence the Phoenix home crowd. This result served as a statement win for Melbourne United, proving their championship credentials early in the season. For the Phoenix, the narrow loss to their cross-town rivals was a tough pill to swallow after a strong start to their campaign.