Dellavedova signalled his intentions by attacking Phoenix skipper Nathan Sobey early, but at the other end United were swiftly torched from long range, the Phoenix drilling 6-of-8 from downtown in the opening term.

Sharpshooting import forwards Hurt and Joe Wieskamp piloted an 11-0 spree, which propelled South East Melbourne to a 28-21 quarter-time lead.

After sizzling in the opening stanza, the Phoenix went ice-cold in the second, missing all 10 from beyond the perimeter as Melbourne clamped down defensively to seize complete control, back-court duo Goulding and Ian Clark influential in the swift turnaround.

"It was a big change (after quarter-time) to hold them to 12 points in that (second) quarter," United coach Dean Vickerman said.

"We made them shoot shots that we were happy with them shooting.

"For the most part after quarter-time, we were pretty good."

Behind Dellavedova's smart play-making, Melbourne continued to control the tempo in the third, before the Phoenix launched a brief rearguard to start the fourth.

Wieskamp nailed a big three before Walton tied the scores at 70-70 with a tough drive and finish over the much taller Marcus Lee.

United responded immediately through Shea Ili's trey and Jack White's dunk.

Sobey's dark night ended when he fouled out late, with nine points at 25 per cent.

The athletic White, meanwhile, was devastating down the stretch, putting the contest to bed with a three-point play, and finishing off the Phoenix with a slam in the dying seconds.

"We don't consistently do the things that we talk about on defence," Phoenix coach Mike Kelly said.

"There were some moments in the second quarter and sprinkled throughout the second half that really let us down."

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