UPDATE: The Illawarra Hawks faced a devastating loss against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, falling 116-76 in a crushing defeat at John Cain Arena on November 4, 2023. This latest setback drops the Hawks to a disappointing 1-4 record in the NBL season, raising urgent questions about their performance.
The Hawks were overwhelmed by a relentless Phoenix squad, particularly the electrifying play of Angus Glover. Glover lit up the scoreboard with a career-high 26 points, including an astonishing seven of eight from three-point range. His explosive first half saw him contribute 23 points, leading the Phoenix to a commanding halftime lead of 66-40 after a brutal second quarter where the Hawks were outscored 36-17.
Illawarra’s woes were compounded by their inability to maintain possession, as they committed a staggering 25 turnovers. This glaring weakness allowed the Phoenix to capitalize, hitting 15 of 28 three-point attempts. JaVale McGee was a lone bright spot for the Hawks, scoring 22 points and securing 11 rebounds before fouling out late in the game.
Phoenix veteran Nathan Sobey also shone, adding 21 points, while Hunter Maldonado contributed significantly with 13 points and nine assists, marking a much-needed turnaround for the import player.
Despite starting the game with promise, the Hawks quickly fell behind. They initially held a three-point lead in the first quarter, but a 17-6 run by the Phoenix shifted the momentum. By the end of the first quarter, the Hawks trailed 30-23.
In a post-game interview, Hawks head coach Justin Tatum emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in ball handling. He indicated that the team’s success will hinge on their point guard play, with Tyler Harvey remaining in that critical role despite the team’s struggles.
The Hawks’ situation appears dire as they continue their search for answers. They will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup, hoping to turn their fortunes around before the season slips further away.
With the Hawks under pressure and fans eager for a turnaround, all eyes will be on their upcoming games to see if they can reclaim some momentum in the league. The urgency to improve has never been more crucial.
