Quick Read
- Illawarra Hawks defeated Brisbane Bullets 100-85, rallying with a decisive 16-2 run in the final minutes.
- JaVale McGee led the Hawks with 30 points and 10 rebounds, marking his 13th double-double in 16 NBL games.
- QJ Peterson, Will Hickey, and Tyler Harvey provided key support, combining for 54 points.
- Brisbane’s Dakota Mathias exited early with a shoulder injury, further challenging the Bullets’ depth.
- Sam Froling’s Achilles rehab is progressing, inspired by shared recovery with NBA star Jayson Tatum.
McGee’s Masterclass Powers Hawks’ Comeback
The Illawarra Hawks delivered one of their gutsiest performances of the season on Thursday night at WIN Entertainment Centre, storming past the Brisbane Bullets 100-85 in a dramatic fourth-quarter turnaround. In a contest that seemed destined for disappointment, three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee took center stage, notching 30 points and 10 rebounds, and sparking hope in a campaign that had begun to sputter.
The defending champions entered the night with a 5-10 record, their title defense in jeopardy. The stakes were high: a loss would have further distanced them from the playoff hunt, especially with Tasmania JackJumpers posting a win the previous evening. The urgency was palpable, and for much of the game, it appeared the pressure would break the Hawks.
Early Struggles and Brisbane’s Fast Start
The Bullets, themselves desperate to halt a losing streak, burst out of the gate, putting up a season-best 33 points in the first quarter and building a 14-point lead early in the second. Illawarra’s offense sputtered, stymied by turnovers—four in the opening five minutes—and forced coach Justin Tatum into a tactical time-out before the first quarter ended (Illawarra Mercury, ESPN).
QJ Peterson provided the Hawks’ initial spark, scoring five straight points, but Brisbane’s depth was on display, with Dakota Mathias, Terry Taylor, and Javon Freeman-Liberty all hitting double figures early. At halftime, the Bullets clung to a slim 50-49 advantage, punctuated by a buzzer-beater three from Taylor.
Turning Point: Hawks Find Rhythm and Resolve
Momentum shifted in the third quarter. Illawarra tightened up defensively and found rhythm on offense, led by Peterson (19 points, eight assists, five rebounds), Will Hickey (18 points, eight assists), and Tyler Harvey (17 points). McGee continued to dominate inside, setting the tone both physically and emotionally. The Hawks outscored Brisbane 22-18 in the third, grabbing a 71-68 lead as the final period began (NBL.com.au).
The game’s defining sequence came in the closing minutes. With the outcome hanging in the balance and both teams exchanging leads, Illawarra unleashed a stunning 16-2 run. McGee’s interior presence, combined with flawless free-throw shooting—the Hawks made their first 19 attempts—put the contest out of reach. Brisbane was held to just seven points in the last five minutes, unable to answer Illawarra’s surge.
Individual Brilliance and Team Effort
McGee’s stat line was remarkable: 30 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and efficient shooting (13-of-19 from the field, 4-of-4 from the line). It marked his 13th double-double in 16 NBL games and yet, he remained grounded in his post-game comments, emphasizing the importance of winning over personal accolades. “Statistically, cool. But there’s a lot of L’s under my name,” he said. “If we win it this year it’ll mean something (but if not) it’s just empty stats” (ESPN).
Peterson and Hickey played crucial supporting roles, each contributing timely buckets and hustle on both ends. Harvey added creative playmaking and scoring punch. On the other side, Terry Taylor led Brisbane with 18 points and eight rebounds, while Tyrell Harrison and Freeman-Liberty chipped in with 13 apiece. Dakota Mathias was forced out with a shoulder injury in the first half—a blow to the Bullets’ hopes.
Challenges Beyond the Court: Injury and Resilience
The Hawks’ victory was as much about character as talent. The team has navigated adversity this season, with injuries affecting key players. Notably, big man Sam Froling continues his recovery from a torn Achilles suffered in the 2025 NBL championship series. The story of Froling’s rehab has intertwined with that of Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, son of Hawks coach Justin Tatum. Both are motivating each other through shared recovery videos, pushing to return ahead of schedule—a testament to the culture Justin Tatum is fostering in Illawarra (Basketball.com.au).
“They are probably a month off in their recoveries. I send motivational films of Jayson and Sam’s progress to each player. Jayson now asks about Sam and vice versa,” Tatum said. The mutual encouragement reflects a team fighting not just for wins, but for each other’s well-being.
What’s Next for Illawarra and Brisbane?
With the win, the Hawks improve to 6-10, keeping their playoff hopes alive as they prepare for a championship series rematch against Melbourne United next Thursday. For Brisbane, now at 5-12 and facing a fifth-straight loss, the challenge is steep. Coach Stu Lash was blunt in his assessment, critiquing his squad’s rebounding and physicality: “Put a body on somebody, hit someone, get physical. We’re not doing that, we’re sitting around and watching.” The Bullets will try to regroup at home against the Perth Wildcats.
The Hawks’ performance was far from flawless, but it was a timely reminder of the power of resilience and unity. As the season edges into its critical phase, Illawarra’s blend of experience, grit, and star power could yet see them make a run. For now, the comeback against Brisbane stands as a turning point—one that may define their campaign in 2025.
Illawarra’s victory was more than a simple win; it was an assertion of character under pressure. The team’s ability to rally around their leaders, overcome setbacks, and seize the moment in the closing minutes speaks to a culture built on accountability and shared purpose. If the Hawks can channel this resilience consistently, their title defense remains very much alive.