Tyler Harvey’s dramatic three-pointer with just six seconds remaining lifted the Illawarra Hawks to a 102-100 victory over the Melbourne United, leveling the NBL championship series at one game apiece. This thrilling contest took place at John Cain Arena on Wednesday night, marking the Hawks’ first win in the NBL Championship Series since 2010.
The victory not only ties the best-of-five series, now poised at 1-1, but it also sets the stage for the next game scheduled for Wollongong on Sunday, March 16, 2025. After dropping the opening game on their home court, the Hawks were determined to bounce back, and they did so with grit and determination, rallying from adversity throughout the match.
Illawarra showed promise throughout the game, initially taking an 11-point lead going to the final quarter. But things took a turn when Ian Clark, who ended the night with 31 points, drained three free throws after Harvey fouled him, putting United up by one point with only seconds remaining. Faced with the pressure of the moment, Harvey, who finished the game with 24 points, netted the go-ahead three-pointer right over Clark from the right side of the court. This decisive shot came down to one of those tense moments where every possession counts, turning the tide for the Hawks.
“I was really pissed about the play before when I fouled Clark,” Harvey shared emotionally after the game. “During the timeout, I just prayed. I was like, ‘God, please just give me a chance to redeem myself’. That was just such a bonehead play and almost cost us the game, so I’m just thankful my teammates trusted me to give me the ball.”
Following Harvey’s shot, Melbourne had one last chance to respond, but Chris Goulding’s attempt to answer back with a three-pointer went awry, rattling off the rim and leaving the home fans disheartened.
This game showcased star performances from the Hawks' trio. Alongside Harvey, Sam Froling added significantly to the scoreboard with 23 points, along with five rebounds and three assists. Trey Kell also made his presence felt with 18 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. “The big three all fired,” commented one analyst, highlighting the importance of these contributions for Illawarra.
Melbourne United showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with their shooting from beyond the arc, where they managed to hit seven of their nine attempts (77%) during the first quarter. This perimeter shooting kept them competitive, with Clark consistently penetrating and creating shots for himself and teammates. Overall, they shot 56% from the field but were plagued by turnovers, committing 15 which cost them dearly.
“Rebounding’s been a massive factor, and it’s been a big turnaround for them to have 22 offensive boards,” United coach Dean Vickerman acknowledged, giving credit to the Hawks for their tenacity on the boards. Illawarra dominated the rebound battle, winning 43-35 overall, emphasizing their control at both ends of the floor.
A significant narrative of the match came with the unfortunate injury to Shea Ili. The Melbourne guard left the game before halftime after suffering an accidental elbow to the head from Hawks' Will Hickey. Ili, who has struggled with concussions throughout his career, was ruled out for the remainder of the game after being assessed, raising serious concerns heading forward with the series.
Goulding and Matthew Dellavedova also provided important scoring for Melbourne, contributing 17 and 14 points, respectively. Despite these performances, the evening was filled with frustration as United’s stars could not maintain consistency, especially during the pivotal moments where mistakes were costly.
The Hawks also had their share of blunders, giving up the sizable lead and allowing United back within reach, showing how wild and unpredictable playoff games can be. United’s late-game push showcased their resilience, but the missed opportunities were hard to overlook.
For Illawarra, this victory is not just about leveling the series; it is about reclaiming their competitive identity and finding their momentum. “Sometimes they go in and sometimes they don’t. Tonight it went in,” Harvey commented about his game-winning shot, underscoring the unpredictable nature of sports.
Basketball analysts have noted how games played on the road have now favored traveling teams with both playoff games resulting in road victories. Historically, only one of nine playoff games this season had ended with the home team winning prior to this series.
With game three arriving quickly in Wollongong, both teams now find themselves with everything to play for. The series has already proven to be electrifying, filled with tension and high stakes, making for what promises to be another riveting encounter.
“We didn’t execute the last play the way we wanted to,” coach Vickerman reflected on the final moments. “These last-second plays can decide the victor, and we learned some harsh lessons tonight.”
Moving forward, both teams will have to address key strategic adjustments, especially around handling the pressure of high-stakes moments. The stage is set for another gripping chapter as the Hawks and United continue their battle for NBL supremacy.