The Illawarra Hawks are just one game away from their first NBL grand final since 2017 following their thrilling 101-94 victory against the South East Melbourne Phoenix during Game 1 of the playoff semifinals at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday evening. This triumph puts the Hawks up 1-0 in the best-of-three series and marks them as strong contenders for the championship, especially after completing the match with a spectacular second-half surge.
Leading the charge for the Hawks were guards Trey Kell III and Tyler Harvey, each scoring 24 points, solidifying their status as one of the league's elite backcourts. Todd Blanchfield also made significant contributions, scoring 16 points off the bench. Despite struggling to find their rhythm early on, the Hawks exhibited the offensive prowess and resilience they've been renowned for this season, particularly during stretches where they displayed sharp shooting and aggressive defense.
During the first half, the Phoenix, paced by Joe Wieskamp's 22 points and the return of Derrick Walton Jr. from injury, held the momentum with strong performances, leading 61-54 at halftime. Walton showcased his playmaking abilities with 15 points and 11 assists, particularly targeting his teammates with precision passes. He appeared to have found his groove after not playing since January 11 due to a hamstring injury.
The game's significant shift occurred following the halftime break. The Phoenix had jumped to an 11-point lead, but the Hawks launched a stunning 21-0 run, sparked by a three-point shooting spree from Harvey. His quick succession of three-pointers turned the tide, quickly leveling the score and shifting the defensive dynamic. The 32-point third quarter was characterized by solid offensive performance, allowing the Hawks to take control with an impressive 86-73 lead heading to the final period.
"Tyler's ability to hit those quick shots was incredible," noted Todd Blanchfield. "Once we found our rhythm, it was tough for them to keep up." This burst of energy from the Hawks left the Phoenix struggling to regain their footing, closing the quarter with only 12 points compared to Illawarra's explosive 32.
Despite the challenge, South East Melbourne attempted to rally back, with Nathan Sobey contributing 17 points and Walton Jr. facilitating plays. The Phoenix reduced the gap to six points late in the fourth quarter, but the Hawks maintained control and effective shooting, closing out the game with strategic free throws from Harvey, who sealed the victory with poised corners.
“After such a long layoff, the way the guys stepped up was impressive,” said Hawks head coach Justin Tatum. “We showed resilience and pushed through when it counted most. Now, the goals are clear: we want to finish this off.”
The Hawks capitalized on their offensive rebounds, notching 20 second-chance points throughout the game. Their commitment to pressing the boards directly correlated with their consistent scoring, which exemplified their confidence and strategy heading forward. Illawarra's defense, which averaged over 100 points per game this season, stifled the Phoenix significantly, particularly during pivotal moments.
The atmosphere at the WIN Entertainment Centre was electric, with fans eagerly roaring for their home team. The Hawks' performance not only entertained but also ignited hopes of ending their 24-year championship drought. With the series now shifting to Melbourne for Game 2 on Sunday, the stakes couldn't be higher.
"We’re excited for the next game, and we know what’s at stake," said Harvey. "It’s do or die for them, and we’re going to treat it as our chance to get to the finals." The upcoming match presents the Phoenix with the opportunity to stave off elimination and push the series to Game 3, underscoring the intense rivalry between the teams. The Hawks will aim to solidify their advantage and head to the championship series, embodying the tenacity and skill demonstrated throughout the season.
Game 1 of the series displayed the fierce competitiveness of the NBL playoffs, where momentum can shift rapidly, making each possession count. The Illawarra Hawks' ability to execute under pressure was evident, and as they head down to John Cain Arena, both teams will need to fine-tune their strategies for this decisive matchup.
Hungry Jack's NBL Playoffs 2025 - Game 1 Recap:
Illawarra Hawks 101 (Kell III 24, Harvey 24, Blanchfield 16) defeated South East Melbourne Phoenix 94 (Wieskamp 22, Sobey 17, Walton Jr 15).
The Illawarra Hawks lead the best-of-three series 1-0.