The NBL25 Finals continue with Game 1 of the semi-final matchup between the Illawarra Hawks and the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Friday night at the WIN Entertainment Centre, promising to be a fast-paced and tightly contested affair. At 7:30 pm AEDT on February 28, the Hawks, having finished on top of the ladder with a strong 20-9 record, will look to leverage their home-court advantage against the Phoenix, who ended their season with a 16-13 mark.
This semi-final series is particularly significant as both teams have not only distinguished themselves but also evolved throughout the season. The Hawks came off their regular season with impressive form, winning their last three games and seven of their last nine outings. Their overall offensive performance has been the best in the league, averaging 101.4 points per game, coupled with the third-ranked defense, which conceded only 91.2 points per game. Meanwhile, the Phoenix experienced their own challenges early on but surged back under the guidance of coach Josh King, finishing fourth after initially struggling through five consecutive losses.
For the fans, the anticipation builds as both teams are projected to be at full strength for this matchup. The Hawks will welcome back key players like Darius Days, who returns after missing time due to injury, alongside Trey Kell, who also appears set to play after being sidelined momentarily. The Phoenix are similarly reinvigorated with the return of Derrick Walton Jr. after recovering from his hamstring injury. His leadership is considered pivotal as they gear up for battle against the Hawks’ disciplined defensive setup.
The two teams met thrice during the regular season, with the Hawks winning the first game before the Phoenix took the next two, which included one victory at the WIN Entertainment Centre—a result the Hawks will be eager to amend. Each of these meetings was fiercely contested, with margins not exceeding six points, indicating just how competitive this series is anticipated to be.
Players to watch include Illawarra’s backcourt duo, Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell III, who have consistently performed throughout the season. Harvey, noted for his scoring capabilities, has crossed the 20-point mark six times during his last seven home games against the Phoenix, contributing to his status as one of the pivotal players. Another focus will be the Hawks’ frontline, where the pairing of Sam Froling and Darius Days promises significant impact against the Phoenix’s defense.
On the other side of the court, South East Melbourne Phoenix’s Matt Hurt has emerged as one of the league's leading scorers, contributing his offensive prowess alongside Nathan Sobey, who has also enjoyed some of his best basketball as the season concluded, allowing the Phoenix to regroup and rally after early season woes. The depth of the Phoenix lineup has shone through, especially with players like Angus Glover and Owen Foxwell offering added dimensions to the team dynamics.
Coaches from both sides have laid out their game plans, aware of the stakes at play. Hawks head coach Justin Tatum emphasized the importance of experience after last year’s exit, saying, “The experience last year was not there... Our hunger is really here this year because we had a chance to potentially taste a championship and then it's taken away.” On the other hand, Phoenix coach Josh King acknowledged the Hawks’ quick play—particularly how they capitalize on transition opportunities—and the necessity to limit second-chance points if they aim to secure victory.
Expectations for the game are high, as analysts speculate which team will make the best adjustments and capitalize on their respective strengths. The Illawarra Hawks hold the edge due to their consistent performance throughout the regular season and home advantage, but the Phoenix’s ability to respond to their recent adversities makes them potentially lethal competitors.
Tonight’s match serves not only as the opening round of this best-of-three semi-final but also as a barometer for both squad’s championship aspirations as they strive for superiority in the NBL. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN, with additional coverage available through various digital platforms, ensuring no one misses the exciting playoff atmosphere. Following each game, the NBL will also provide updates via social media for those interested parties tracking the series progress.