The Illawarra Hawks delivered a stunning performance on March 7, 2024, defeating top-ranked Melbourne United 107-93 at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong. This victory marked a significant upset in the National Basketball League (NBL) season, as the Hawks, sitting at the bottom of the league, showcased their potential with a dominant display.
Leading the charge for Illawarra was JaVale McGee, who recorded an impressive 37 points and 14 rebounds. McGee’s shooting was exceptional, hitting 13 of 21 attempts from the field and converting 10 of 11 free throws. His performance not only highlighted his capabilities but also played a crucial role in the Hawks claiming six of the seven points available in the in-season Ignite Cup.
Game Highlights and Key Players
The Hawks jumped out to a quick start, leading 32-22 after the first quarter. McGee’s early influence was apparent as he engaged in physical match-ups with Melbourne’s Finn Delany. The crowd erupted when McGee celebrated enthusiastically, twirling his arm to rally the home fans.
While Delany managed to score 21 points for United, including several dunks, he faced a tough challenge from McGee throughout the game. The Hawks maintained their momentum, heading into halftime with a commanding 57-43 lead. A key factor in this disparity was Illawarra’s free-throw shooting; they went 18 of 19 from the line by the break, compared to Melbourne’s flawless 2 of 2.
As the game progressed, the Hawks continued to dominate the boards, out-rebounding United 26-13. Despite a brief rally by Melbourne, which cut the deficit to eight points, the Hawks remained in control, leading 79-68 at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, McGee hit his first three-pointer of the season, celebrating wildly as the Hawks extended their lead to 20 points. The match concluded with tensions flaring as players clashed after the final whistle, with Will Hickey and Fabijan Krslovic exchanging words.
The defeat left Melbourne United, the reigning champions, facing scrutiny as they were booed off the court. The Hawks, on the other hand, emerged from the match with renewed confidence, suggesting that their title defense might not be as precarious as previously thought.
This game not only showcased McGee’s prowess but also underscored the unpredictable nature of the NBL, where any team can rise to the occasion. With their sights set on future matches, the Hawks will look to build on this remarkable victory as they navigate the remainder of the season.
