Loe reaches new heights

Melbourne's man of the moment Rob Loe has reflected positively on his time with United, after a strong performance against his former club.

The New Zealand Breakers were embarrassed on their home court with a whopping 27-point margin, which saw Loe and United gain their 12th win - three wins clear of second spot.

Loe starred on Thursday night, with 25 points on 62 per cent shooting, also contributing three rebounds and three assists. 

In his 11th season as a professional, the now 33-year-old is putting up some of the best numbers of his career.

Head coach Dean Vickerman said, “the threat that he is ... his superpower is his IQ.”

The New Zealand-born big has slotted into the Melbourne side with ease, taking on extra responsibility since the departure of Jo Lual-Acuil Jr and Ariel Hukporti.

He's averaged 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds, reaching double-figure scoring in each of his last five games, including a career-high 30-point game to go with Thursday night's 25-point effort.

Incredibly, it's just a year and a half since Loe announced his retirement from the NBL, only to return in Melbourne as an injury replacement player, before signing full-time for NBL25.

“Credit to Melbourne United for putting such a great group together," he said.

“We love playing together and everyone contributes ... everyone is a part of the team.

“It’s some of the best I’ve felt coming into games for a long time.

“My parents were in the crowd tonight, so it’s cool to come back to New Zealand and see some familiar faces."

Melbourne is now the clear favourite for the Championship, having won its last five games, with Loe set to play a big role in their run to a potential first title since 2021.

Loe and United next face the Bullets on Sunday at 2:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN, Channel 10 and 10 Play.