The Illawarra Hawks secured a decisive 107-90 victory over the Cairns Taipans on March 15, 2024, at the Cairns Convention Centre. This win was highlighted by a historic performance from Will “Davo” Hickey, who achieved the first triple-double of the National Basketball League (NBL) season, contributing 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. The Hawks showcased their offensive prowess with significant contributions from QJ Peterson and JaVale McGee, who each played pivotal roles in the team’s success.
Hickey’s triple-double set the tone for the game, demonstrating his all-around skills on both ends of the court. Peterson added 22 points, shooting an impressive 4-of-6 from three-point range, while McGee dominated the paint with 28 points, six rebounds, and two assists, shooting a remarkable 12-of-13 from the field. This performance came shortly after McGee’s career-high 37 points in a previous game, emphasizing his current form and importance to the Hawks.
Cairns entered the match looking to build on their recent win against the Tasmania JackJumpers, where they ended a losing streak. In an effort to counter McGee’s impact, the Taipans opted for a smaller lineup, leaving veteran center Marcus Lee on the bench. This strategy initially paid off, as Cairns connected on 10 three-pointers in the first half, allowing them to remain competitive and trailing by only four points at halftime. Mojave King led the charge with three of those triples, marking his best career performance with 32 points, shooting 13-of-16 overall and 6-of-8 from beyond the arc.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as McGee opened with six quick points, pushing the Hawks ahead. Peterson, who had struggled with his shooting in previous games, found his rhythm by hitting two three-pointers to extend Illawarra’s lead to 13 points by the end of the third quarter. The Hawks ultimately sealed their victory with a 17-point margin, marking their second consecutive win and improving their record to 4-6 in the season.
Despite the absence of key players for the Taipans, including Sam Waardenburg and Reyne Smith, the game presented opportunities for others to shine. Kyrin Galloway contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, while Jack McVeigh added 13 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. The loss leaves Cairns at the bottom of the league standings with a record of 3-9.
This victory showcases the Illawarra Hawks’ growing momentum as they continue their championship defense, with contributions from both established stars and emerging players. The team’s performance against Cairns highlights their potential as they look to build on this success in the coming matches.
