Hawks Clinch Second NBL Championship
The Illawarra Hawks have made history by clinching their second NBL championship, defeating Melbourne United 114-104 in Game 5 of the Championship Series. This victory marks their first title since 2001, capping off a season where they finished at the top of the standings for the first time ever. The Hawks proved too strong for Melbourne, even without key player Sam Froling, who was sidelined due to an Achilles injury. A record crowd of 5,686 at the WIN Entertainment Centre witnessed the Hawks secure the win in front of their home fans.
A Stellar Performance by Will Hickey
Will Hickey delivered an unforgettable performance in Game 5, scoring 21 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out eight assists. His explosive start, with 12 points in the first quarter, helped Illawarra erase a 10-point deficit. Hickey’s energy and leadership were crucial in the Hawks’ win. While Matthew Dellavedova of Melbourne was named Series MVP, he showed immense sportsmanship by handing the trophy to Hickey, acknowledging the guard’s remarkable contribution throughout the series.
Strong Contributions Across the Board
Other key players for the Hawks included Trey Kell III, who added 26 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while Wani Swaka Lo Buluk contributed 16 points. Tyler Harvey also chipped in with 16 points. Illawarra’s offensive rebounding and physicality in the paint played a major role in their victory, securing 18 offensive rebounds and 64 points in the paint.
Despite strong performances from Melbourne, the Hawks maintained control, never allowing Melbourne to get within five points in the final quarter. The Illawarra Hawks’ victory marks a momentous achievement for the club and fans.
