The ability of Melbourne United's Casper Ware to step up when it matters most makes him one of the league's best imports, according to coach Dean Vickerman.
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Averaging under 12 points through the first four games, United's championship-winning point guard played his best game of the season so far to lead all scorers with 26 in Monday's 99-93 win over the Illawarra Hawks.
Ware exploded out of the blocks with 11 points in the first quarter, including three long bombs in a three-minute stretch as Melbourne established a 19-point lead.
And after a spirited second-half fightback saw the Hawks down by three points in the final two minutes, Ware's clutch basket handed United a two-possession lead that Illawarra could not chase down.
"He senses moments when you really need him and that's what you want from your imports," Vickerman said after Ware's performance helped United move up to second spot on the ladder with a 3-2 record.
Without the elite perimeter shooting of injured captain Chris Goulding (knee), Ware delivered from long range with five of United's 12 triples for the game.
"We just had to step up with Chris out and we did it collectively too, it wasn't just me," Ware said, with David Barlow (17 points, seven rebounds), Mitch McCarron (14 points, five rebounds, four assists) and DJ Kennedy (13 points) all making an impact.
Centre Josh Boone was clearly limited after picking up an ankle injury in Saturday's double-overtime loss to the Perth Wildcats but former New Zealand Breakers big man Alex Pledger stepped in to grab 12 boards to help United win the rebounding count 42-29.
One area of concern for Vickerman was Melbourne's inability to continue building on their early lead, opening the door for Illawarra to charge back into the game.
"I felt myself getting quite angry in that first half and that's why," he said.
"I wanted us to continue to really drive and it's got to come from somewhere when you've got a margin to make sure you don't relax a little bit."
Vickerman revealed that Goulding is a chance to return for Saturday's road clash with the Cairns Taipans, though he may sit out in order to be ready for Monday night's blockbuster against the Sydney Kings.
"Medical advice has suggested that maybe it's another game or so but they thought he responded quickly over the last day or so if he continues that progress, he's a chance," he said.
Australian Associated Press
