Illawarra Firming Once Again as the Team to Beat

The Illawarra Hawks sent a powerful statement to the rest of the NBL with a commanding 120-88 victory over the Perth Wildcats and a nail biting 111-108 against the Sydney Kings, showcasing why they’re firming as the team to beat this season. In a performance of sheer dominance, the Hawks excelled in all areas of the game, further solidifying their reputation as championship favorites.

The Hawks’ dominance started with their physicality and hustle. They controlled the rebounding battle, winning 43-31, and turned their defensive pressure into opportunities with 12 steals and 7 blocks, compared to the Wildcats’ 7 steals and 1 block. This defensive intensity translated into a significant advantage in second-chance points, as Illawarra outscored Perth 29-14 in that category, thanks to an impressive 19 offensive rebounds.

Their offensive flow was just as remarkable. The Hawks shot an efficient 54% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc, highlighting their confidence and ability to execute. Their ability to generate easy points while maintaining a balanced attack was on full display.

The trio of Trey Kell, Sam Froling, and Tyler Harvey continues to thrive as the driving force behind Illawarra’s success. Kell was instrumental in creating opportunities on both ends of the floor, while Froling’s dominance in the paint and Harvey’s scoring touch kept the Wildcats on the back foot. Together, these “Three Amigos” were unstoppable, proving to be a formidable combination that other teams will struggle to contain.

One of the standout performances came from Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, who was incredible on the defensive end. He held Bryce Cotton, one of the league’s most dangerous scorers, to just 13 points—all of which came in the first quarter. Swaka Lo Buluk’s ability to lock down elite players has made him a genuine contender for Defensive Player of the Year.

The game against the Sydney Kings was a bit closer than they would like. Trey Kell would once again stake his claim as a MVP candidate with another 26 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. He was once again helped by star guard Tyler Harvey who has 22 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists and big man Sam Froling also held his own against the Kings big men, finishing the game with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. 

It was a near fade away in the last quarter which is a Kings speciality as the Hawks were outscored 27-23 in the final quarter and the game was nearly forced to overtime with 3.8 seconds left on the clock. The Hawks though dominated the game with more bench points than the Kings, more points from turnover than the Kings and also more steals and blocks than the Kings. The Hawks are well and truly in pole position after another dominant display against one of the leagues best players.

Another highlight of the Hawks’ performance was their ability to utilize their entire bench. The coaching staff gave all players an opportunity to contribute, which not only kept the energy high but also showcased the team’s depth. This will undoubtedly be a key factor as the season progresses and the Hawks look to cement their dominance.

With these emphatic victory over the Wildcats & Kings, the Illawarra Hawks have reaffirmed their status as the team to beat in the NBL. Their ability to dominate every facet of the game—offense, defence, and hustle—makes them a nightmare matchup for any opponent. If they continue to play with this level of confidence and cohesion, it’s hard to see anyone standing in their way come playoff time.