Triple Threat Powers Hawks to Victory
The Illawarra Hawks gained strong momentum in their NBL championship chase with a resounding 107-90 win over the Cairns Taipans on the road. Key performances from three players sparked the triumph.
Will "Davo" Hickey's Historic Triple-Double
Will Hickey recorded the first triple-double of the NBL season at the Cairns Convention Centre, finishing with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. His all-around impact was crucial to the Hawks' success.
Sharp Shooting from QJ Peterson
QJ Peterson contributed 22 points, hitting 4 of 6 three-point attempts, providing excellent perimeter scoring that kept the Hawks ahead.
JaVale McGee's Inside Dominance
JaVale McGee was a powerful presence inside with 28 points, six rebounds, and two assists on an efficient 12-of-13 shooting. Coming off a career-best game earlier in the week, he continued to assert control in the paint.
“Our performance was really strong, especially coming off Wednesday playing at a high level and we didn't want to drop that intensity,” Hawks coach Justin Tatum said.
“We understand that Cairns is short-manned and our mentality was to keep coming and putting pressure on them as much as we can, and I loved the effort the guys came out and played with. They found ways to dominate and score in the paint and make it tough for Cairns.”
The Hawks showed resilience by following up Wednesday's victory over Melbourne United with another impressive outing, maintaining their competitive edge.
Cairns' Challenges Against McGee
The Taipans had recently ended a losing streak but struggled to contain McGee's dominance inside, highlighting their need for new strategies.
Author's summary: The Illawarra Hawks showcased balanced excellence, led by Hickey's triple-double, Peterson's shooting, and McGee's inside power, fueling their strong NBL recovery.