Melbourne United star Chris Goulding says his 300th NBL game will pass without much fanfare if his side can't beat the Adelaide 36ers.
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United take on their arch-rivals at Melbourne Arena on Saturday night and Goulding's focus is firmly on returning to the winner's list after successive losses, not his milestone.
"I understand that a small fuss has to be made, and it's cool and I appreciate that ... but I think if we win I might celebrate it a little bit after," Goulding told reporters.
"Coming off two disappointing losses we don't really have time to think about anything else except getting better and finding a way to get a win this week.
"That's what I really want most out of this 300th."
Road losses to Cairns and Sydney ended a run of six wins that kickstarted United's campaign, moving them up to fourth spot on the NBL ladder with a 7-6 record.
Saturday's clash is a pivotal one with the Sixers fifth with a 6-6 record.
Goulding credits Adelaide coach Joey Wright with giving him his first NBL opportunity when he was coaching the Brisbane Bullets in 2006.
"He was a great support for me and really stuck his neck out for me when I was a young kid," Goulding said.
"Thankfully for him, he's had a great career as well, so it's kind of cool that we get to play each other in game No.300.
"But the competitor that he is, he'll be trying to make it as hard as possible on me and our team."
Win or lose, the game is a significant milestone in the 31-year-old's decorated career that has included representing Australia at the Olympics and an NBL championship, with grand final MVP honours, with United in 2018.
Australian Associated Press
