Melbourne United may have spoiled what was meant to be a celebratory evening in Far North Queensland, but the Cairns Taipans still found reason for optimism despite an 89-85 defeat at the Cairns Convention Centre on Thursday night.
In a contest layered with narrative — from finals implications to coaching adversity and a major contract announcement — United emerged with a crucial victory that strengthens their push for a top-four finish. Meanwhile, the Taipans secured something arguably just as important for their long-term future: the commitment of star forward Jack McVeigh for the 2026/27 NBL season.
A Win That Could Reshape the Finals Picture
For Melbourne United, this was far more than a routine late-season road win. With the postseason fast approaching, every result carries added weight. United are firmly entrenched in the finals race, but their ambition extends beyond mere qualification. Climbing into fourth place would allow them to avoid the sudden-death play-in game and secure a coveted double chance in the opening round of the finals.
This victory significantly boosts their seeding hopes, although their fate remains partially out of their hands. To leapfrog into fourth, they will likely need Perth to falter in the closing stretch of the regular season. Nevertheless, United did exactly what was required: they handled their business under pressure in hostile territory.
Coaching Curveball: Carter Steps Up
United’s triumph becomes even more impressive considering the circumstances. Head coach Dean Vickerman was sidelined after being struck down by appendicitis shortly after the team arrived in Cairns. The sudden medical emergency forced assistant coach Rhys Carter into the lead role for the first time in his career.
Rather than unravel, United remained composed. Carter guided the team through tense moments, particularly in a gripping fourth quarter where momentum swung repeatedly. For a coach thrust unexpectedly into the spotlight, it was a poised and professional performance that speaks to the culture and depth within Melbourne’s program.
Stars Struggle as Others Rise
The night was not defined by marquee brilliance — at least not initially.
Cairns’ Jack McVeigh and Melbourne’s Chris Goulding, two of the competition’s most prominent scorers, both endured difficult shooting stretches. Through three quarters, each had converted just 3 of 12 attempts from the field. The defensive pressure was relentless, and both teams committed significant resources to limiting their influence.
Andrew Andrews, the Taipans’ dynamic guard, had an even tougher time early. He connected on just one of his first nine field goal attempts, struggling to find rhythm against United’s disciplined defensive schemes.
When primary scorers falter, championship-calibre teams look elsewhere for production — and Melbourne found theirs in Milton Doyle.
Doyle Delivers in the Clutch
As the Taipans mounted a late surge, Doyle elevated his play. His decisive fourth-quarter performance kept United steady during critical stretches when Cairns threatened to seize control. Finishing with 25 points, Doyle provided scoring efficiency and composure when it mattered most.
Tyson Walker added 17 points and produced what appeared to be the dagger moment of the night. With just 45 seconds remaining and United clinging to a narrow advantage, Walker drilled a bold three-pointer directly over Andrews, extending Melbourne’s lead to five.
Yet the drama was far from over.
Andrews answered almost immediately with a three-pointer of his own, trimming the deficit to two. A forced turnover gave Cairns a golden opportunity to tie or take the lead. The Snakepit crowd roared, sensing a dramatic finish.
But in a cruel twist for the Taipans, Andrews lost possession out of bounds on consecutive trips. The errors proved fatal. Melbourne closed the game out calmly, extinguishing the comeback attempt and sealing a four-point win.
McVeigh’s Million-Dollar Commitment
While United celebrated a valuable victory, Cairns supporters had already received uplifting news before tip-off.
Less than an hour prior to the game, the Taipans announced that Jack McVeigh had exercised the mutual option in his contract to remain with the club for another season. The two-year deal included a mutual option for the second year, leaving both sides with flexibility. Ultimately, McVeigh chose continuity.
In a campaign that has otherwise tested Cairns’ resilience, McVeigh has been a shining light. His consistency, leadership, and scoring output have anchored the team through challenging stretches.
He did not hide his affection for the region and organization.
“Cairns quickly felt like home, and I can’t see myself leaving,” McVeigh said.
“The fans, the coaching staff, my teammates, the front office. Everyone has made the experience special.”
The commitment is believed to secure another substantial payday for the forward, further cementing him as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future. On the court, he delivered 25 points against Melbourne, battling through heavy defensive attention — including frequent double and triple teams — to keep Cairns competitive.
Even amid the physicality, McVeigh’s competitive fire was evident. Broadcast footage captured him intensely staring down a referee after believing a foul had been missed on a made three-pointer, underscoring his relentless drive.
Smith’s Encouraging Return
Another positive development for Cairns was the continued return of Reyne Smith.
After being sidelined since November, Smith made his comeback in the previous fixture but logged just five minutes. Against Melbourne, he returned to a more typical workload, providing valuable spacing and energy. He finished with 11 points, a performance that will bolster both his confidence and the coaching staff’s optimism.
Though Cairns’ playoff hopes have faded, Smith’s resurgence arrives at an important juncture. The second and final year of his contract carries a team option, making his late-season form particularly significant as management evaluates roster decisions.
The Bigger Picture
For Melbourne United, this was a resilient road win achieved under adversity. Winning without their head coach, surviving off-nights from key scorers, and executing in clutch moments reflects a team peaking at the right time.
For the Cairns Taipans, the result stings — particularly given how close they came to forcing overtime or stealing victory in the dying seconds. Yet the commitment from McVeigh provides a long-term foundation to build upon, and the re-emergence of Smith hints at a stronger campaign ahead.
In a league as tightly contested as the NBL, margins are razor-thin. On Thursday night, Melbourne’s composure and execution proved just enough to quiet the Snakepit.
Match Summary
Cairns Taipans 85
Jack McVeigh 25
King 13
Reyne Smith 11
Melbourne United 89
Milton Doyle 25
Tyson Walker 17
Shea Ili 8
Venue: Cairns Convention Centre