Hawks' championship swagger returns on the back of historic Hickey triple-double

The Head of the Snake: Hickey Leads Hawks to Big Win in Cairns

The Illawarra Hawks are beginning to regain their championship form. The defending champions secured back-to-back victories for the first time in NBL26 by defeating the Cairns Taipans 107-90 on Friday night at the Cairns Convention Centre.

This victory came just 48 hours after the Hawks overcame ladder-leader Melbourne United in Wollongong, showcasing their growing momentum.

Hickey’s Historic Triple-Double

Will Hickey, known as Davo, delivered his standout performance in his 99th NBL game by recording his first career triple-double, helping improve the Hawks’ record to 4-6. Hickey was dominant on both ends of the court:

He became the first Hawks player to achieve a triple-double since LaMelo Ball did it twice during the 2019-20 season in his 11th and 12th games for the club.

McGee’s Efficient Performance

JaVale McGee also shone, contributing 28 points in only 24 minutes and 38 seconds. The three-time NBA champion showed remarkable accuracy, converting 12 of 13 shots, including two three-pointers from as many attempts.

The man they call Davo produced his best performance in his 99th NBL game, registering his first triple-double to improve the Hawks' record to 4-6.
Hickey is the first Hawks player to register a triple-double, since Lamelo Ball did it in his 11th and 12th games for the club in the 2019-20 season.
The three-time NBA champion 7-footer was super efficient from the field, making 12 of his 13 shots, including two from as many three-point attempts.

Author’s summary: Will Hickey’s first triple-double and JaVale McGee’s scoring efficiency have reignited the Illawarra Hawks’ championship potential this NBL season.

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Illawarra Mercury Illawarra Mercury — 2025-11-07

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