Can Newley claim missing piece?

It's hard to believe Brad Newley has never held up an NBL championship trophy across his 327-game career, spanning the best part of two decades.

For one of Australia's most established players both domestically and abroad, it's an accolade that to this stage has alluded him.

But that could all change in Game 5 of the Championship Series on Sunday.

It's a game that just so happens to be Newley's last in the NBL. An illustrious career could potentially be capped off with the perfect farewell, if Melbourne can get the job done against Tasmania.

"It's the one thing missing from my trophy cabinet that I never really got to get, the glory of dancing in the glitter when you win,” Newley said via ESPN.

Melbourne was close to championship glory in NBL22, with none other than the Tasmania JackJumpers ruining their title hopes with a surprise semi-final series win.

United and Newley would love nothing more than to turn the tables on the biggest stage of all.

"As a group and club we planned on winning this thing three years ago and fell short. We have an opportunity now," he said. 

"I did it as junior world champ (2003) and a couple of Comm Games and those things, but at a domestic level, I've always seen it and been dirty I didn't get to do it.

"It would be just a great summary and to have my kids there and family here in Melbourne."

United were on the brink of winning at home and gaining the upper hand when they stepped on the court for Game 3, having not lost back-to-back games all season.

An incredible Jack McVeigh game-winner could have been defining in the series, but Melbourne fought back in enemy territory on Thursday night to level things at 2-2. 

Now, in front of a sell-out crowd, it's all on the line. 

"There's a job to do still, I don't want to get carried away, but it would mean a lot to me (to win a championship) and I guess it's a final farewell to what's been a pretty fun career,” Newley said.

Tip-off between Melbourne and Tasmania is at 4pm AEDT on Sunday, with live coverage beginning with the Coca-Cola Pre-Game Show from 3.30pm AEDT.

Read the full story here >> Chasing the glitter: Brad Newley's one last shot at NBL glory