The NBL Championship series heats up as the Illawarra Hawks prepare to battle the Melbourne United for Game 2 of the finals on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The stakes are high for the Hawks as they strive to reclaim home court advantage after a disappointing loss against United. Coming off the heels of Game 1, which they lost 96-88, the Hawks must regroup and refocus, armed with lessons learned from their previous outing.
Game 1 was no picnic for the Hawks. They entered halftime with confidence, leading 53-43, but faltered after the break as Melbourne mounted a comeback. Their key players, Trey Kell and Tyler Harvey, combined for only 15 points, with Kell managing to record only 6 points, significantly below his season average, thanks to intense defensive pressure applied by Matthew Dellavedova.
Justin Tatum, the Hawks' coach, is well aware of the importance of Game 2. His team has lost their last six away games, and to turn the tide, they must improve significantly. "The mood [heading to Wednesday] is similar to when we lost to South East. We had a lot of positives to take out of the game," Tatum noted, highlighting the need for his team to boost their competitive edge and embrace the physicality of finals basketball.
The potential for the Hawks’ success lies heavily on Kell's ability to rediscover his form. Historically, when he scores over 20 points, the team tends to win, showcasing his importance to the Hawks’ offense. Tatum underscored the need for his stars to find their rhythm, stating, "We need to play Hawks basketball and put effort on both ends for 40 minutes."
For the United, the second half of Game 1 was remarkable, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive adaptability. They scored 22 points from second-chance opportunities, capitalizing on the Hawks' failure to box out effectively. With 17 offensive rebounds compared to the Hawks’ 9, United demonstrated why they're formidable on their home court. "Our success can be linked to our effort on the boards. When we out-rebound teams, we are strong," noted one of their players, pointing out key strategies as they head toward Game 2.
Coming back to Melbourne for Game 2, the United aim to continue their momentum. They’ve won their last four games at the John Cain Arena and five of the last six against the Hawks, adding to their confidence. They need just one more victory to take command of the series, putting them up 2-0. Coach Tatum is aware of the statistics and has tasked his players to use them as motivation. With the championship hanging in the balance, every possession becomes significant. They are determined to dominate the glass and make sure the Hawks can’t find their offensive flow.
Hawks' Harvey and Kell are instrumental. They know their success is pivotal for the Illawarra’s chances. If the Hawks are to upset the current form of the United, it will demand not just individual brilliance but cohesive team dynamics and relentless defensive efforts. With Tatum urging his players to embrace physicality, there’s no doubt the pressure will be high on the court as they put everything on the line.
Another aspect to watch will be the play of Melbourne's Marcus Lee, who shone brightly during Game 1. He became the first player to tally at least 14 points and 15 rebounds on perfect shooting from the field during the Championship Series, emphasizing the depth and talent within United’s roster. Both teams know each other's strengths and weaknesses, making every tactical play and set adjustment matter more.
Fans will be eager to see if the Hawks can learn from their mistakes and adjust their strategy when they tip-off at 7:30 PM AEDT. The stakes have never been higher as both teams fight not just for victory but for the essence of their competitive spirits. How the Hawks respond after their Game 1 setback will determine their fate going forward, as they aim to bring the series back to Wollongong tied 1-1.
The championship atmosphere at John Cain Arena promises to be electric as players, coaches, and supporters rally behind their teams. It's more than just another game; it's about heart, resilience, and the will to seize glory. With everything on the line, Game 2 of the NBL Championship Series will undoubtedly capture the hearts of fans as the Illawarra Hawks challenge the Melbourne United with everything at stake.