A Mitch Creek dunk has sparked a melee in South East Melbourne Phoenix's spiteful 94-86 Throwdown XIII victory over Melbourne United at John Cain Arena.
Creek spectacularly dunked over United's Matthew Dellavedova late in the third quarter, before he stood over his Australian Boomers teammate, who was laid out on the court.
As Creek taunted Dellavedova he was collected in the jaw and bumped to the ground by United forward Mason Peatling, who was then set upon by the Phoenix's Izayah Le'afa.
By this stage, Creek had leapt to his feet and pursued Peatling, as game officials attempted to keep players from both sides apart.
The melee — which played out in front of stunned spectators sitting behind the basket — was eventually broken up.
Peatling was ejected from the game, and Creek and Le'afa were handed unsportsmanlike fouls.
Creek — who was also hit with a technical foul for taunting Dellavedova — remained in the game.
“I’m never going to let anyone play that way," Creek told ESPN after the game.
"I apologise to people if I took the game into the wrong [place], but I will protect my teammates and protect myself.
"That’s not how you play basketball. We had a very hyped situation, and a bit of yelling and screaming … but that’s no reason to check someone.
Creek compiled a 16-point haul in Phoenix's victory and teammate Zhou Qi posted a game-high 22 points.
Dellavedova was United's leading scorer, with 19 points, in addition to recording 10 rebounds.
The Phoenix are undefeated after three games, while United are yet to record a win this season.
In the other NBL games on Sunday, the 36ers recovered from a 19-point deficit to beat New Zealand Breakers 98-85 in Adelaide, and Brisbane Bullets snuck home 97-94 in double overtime against the Wildcats in Perth.
