The Illawarra Hawks have reignited their finals aspirations with a commanding victory over the Cairns Taipans in Far North Queensland. Friday night’s win marks a significant turnaround for the reigning champions, who had stumbled to a 2-6 record, casting doubt on their title defense under coach Justin Tatum.
Following a morale-boosting victory against the previously unbeaten Melbourne United, the Hawks continued their resurgence by defeating a depleted Taipans squad. The Cairns team, struggling with injuries, fielded a lineup featuring Lachlan Barker and Mojave King—players who were relatively unknown just days prior. Despite the challenges, Cairns coach Adam Forde’s tactical ingenuity kept the game competitive until halftime.
However, the Hawks, guided by adjustments from Tatum, surged ahead in the third quarter, establishing a double-digit lead by the end of the period. This performance has positioned Illawarra just a game away from the top six, reminding analysts and rivals that the Hawks remain a formidable force.
McGee: The Unstoppable Force
Central to the Hawks’ success was the stellar performance of JaVale McGee. The three-time NBA champion has proven to be a matchup nightmare for opponents throughout the NBL season. In an attempt to neutralize McGee, Forde deployed Admiral Schofield, along with big men Marcus Lee and Kyrin Galloway. Yet, McGee’s versatility and skill proved too much to handle.
McGee dominated the interior, shooting with high efficiency and facilitating the offense with his presence. Notably, he showcased his range by sinking two three-pointers when the Taipans dared him to shoot from distance. If McGee continues to develop his shooting ability, he could become an even more uncontainable force on the court.
Mojave King’s Breakout Performance
Despite the Taipans’ loss, Mojave King emerged as a bright spot for the team. Recently integrated into the lineup due to injuries, King delivered an impressive performance, scoring 10 of Cairns’ first 15 points. His energy and hustle plays provided the Taipans with crucial opportunities.
King’s standout moment came in the third quarter, where he added 11 more points to his tally, keeping the Taipans competitive. The New Zealand-born player, who was the 47th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, finished with a career-high 32 points. His performance suggests he could secure a permanent spot in the rotation, even as injured players return.
“While you never want to see an up-and-comer like Higgins-Titsha go down for a significant period of time, King could well be poised to make something of this opportunity.”
Game Summary and Implications
The match concluded with the Illawarra Hawks defeating the Cairns Taipans 107-90. McGee led the Hawks with 28 points, while teammates Peterson and Hickey contributed 22 and 19 points, respectively. For the Taipans, King was the top scorer with 32 points, followed by Galloway with 15 and McVeigh with 13.
This victory signifies a critical juncture for the Hawks as they aim to solidify their position in the league standings. Meanwhile, the Taipans must regroup and strategize as they await the return of key players from injury.
Looking ahead, the Hawks’ resurgence could alter the dynamics of the NBL season, with McGee’s evolving role playing a pivotal part. As teams adapt to his presence, the Hawks’ ability to capitalize on their momentum will be crucial in their quest for back-to-back championships.
