Hawks and Phoenix Set for a High-Stakes NBL Showdown
So, let’s talk about one of the most intriguing matchups on the NBL calendar right now: Illawarra versus South East Melbourne. This game is being treated almost like a crossroads moment for both clubs, and for good reason. The reigning champion Illawarra Hawks are hosting the Phoenix at the WIN Entertainment Centre, and the stakes simply couldn’t be higher.
Coming out of the FIBA break at 4-9, Illawarra is in a position where every game practically feels like a must-win. Their Finals chances are slipping, and they know it. What’s working in their favour, though, is the firepower they still have on hand and the momentum that could be regained once Sam Froling finally returns from his Achilles issue. For now, the focus is on holding their ground at home—first against the Phoenix, then against Cairns, a team that has regularly caused them headaches in recent years. The Hawks are aware that they’re capable of clawing their way back into the top six, but the effort needs to start immediately.
Also Read:- Why the Eagles Must Believe Their Own Message
- Android 16 Rolls Out Smarter Tools, Smoother Performance, and a Big Pixel Fix
Meanwhile, the Phoenix arrive with one of the best starts in their club’s history. Sitting at 9-4, they've only been beaten by Melbourne and Adelaide, which shows just how competitive they’ve become under Josh King. If they want to rise from “dangerous” to “elite,” these are exactly the sorts of games they need to win—tough contests against former champions who knocked them out of Finals contention just last season. But they’re also walking into this one shorthanded, missing their starting point guard Owen Foxwell and talented Next Star Malique Lewis. That means their depth will be tested, and role players will be expected to step into the spotlight.
Tyler Harvey summed up the Hawks’ mindset perfectly when he said that nobody cares about excuses. The message from inside the locker room is simple: find ways to win, even through adversity. And on the Phoenix side, Wes Iwundu expressed how comfortable he’s becoming in his role, whether he’s starting or coming off the bench. His approach is all about versatility—defence, offence, playmaking, doing whatever the team needs.
There’s also the injury picture to consider. Illawarra remains without Daniel Grida and Jonah Bolden, with Froling still labelled as TBC. The Phoenix, on the other hand, are navigating absences of their own, including Hunter Maldonado, Lewis, and Foxwell. So both teams are far from full strength, yet the urgency remains sky-high.
All of this builds toward a matchup loaded with tension, opportunity, and the potential for big performances. Whether you’re watching live on ESPN or following the action through the NBL App, this clash has all the ingredients of a season-defining moment for both clubs—and it’s the kind of game you simply don’t want to miss.
Read More:
0 Comments