Matthew Dellavedova and Ian Clark have hit form to sharpen Melbourne's NBL title charge, helping United consolidate second spot with a cruisy 115-88 win in Brisbane.
The injury-ravaged Bullets were dealt further blows to their squad, with Josh Bannan (concussion) a pre-game scratching and Keandre Cook sent to hospital after reporting chest pains during Sunday's loss.
Justin Schueller's side had defied that adversity to win in New Zealand on Friday but, after an even first term, it was one-way traffic at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
Dellavedova (14 points, six assists) backed up his 17-point showing in Perth on Wednesday with another aggressive start to set the tone, while Clark (24 points) found rhythm and Chris Goulding (16 points) didn't miss the chance to fill his boots.
It was Melbourne's fifth win from their past seven games.
Cairns' upset defeats of Illawarra (17-9, first) and Perth (15-11, fifth) this round means United (17-10) are now a win clear of third-placed Sydney and pushing the Hawks with two regular-season games remaining.
"To come out and have a (good) game today; it's not about me, it's about how we've been playing," Clark said.
"That second quarter got back to the identity of who we are."
The Bullets (11-16) are a win back from Tasmania and Adelaide, who have games in hand, in the fight for sixth and a play-in berth.
Averaging 10.6 points and seven assists this season, NBA championship-winner Dellavedova attacked the rim in a 35-14 second quarter that blew the game open.
He then played provider, assisting for a Jack White (17 points) alley-oop as the lead swelled to 30 points in the final quarter.
Goulding fouled out in the final quarter after making four-of-eight triples, the 36-year-old even flexing after tucking in a dunk in the third term.
"We can't win a championship or even consider doing well in a finals series unless we get everyone playing well," United coach Dean Vickerman said of their all-round performance.
"Everyone has these little dips. You get through it, it makes you stronger."
Late-season Brisbane arrival Josh Adams had his most productive game at the club, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Fellow import Casey Prather (15 points) couldn't provide the heroics, while Tohi Smith-Milner (16 points, eight rebounds) and Isaac White had 12 points off the bench.
"There's been black cats, ladders, broken windows at our facility," Bullets coach Schueller said of an injury list that includes seven key members.
"If I spend my time on that I'd go insane.
"When we've got people out our margin for error is so small and that second quarter is so frustrating for us.
"But we haven't allowed an excuse all year ... we've got two games now we have to win."
