Game Preview: Hawks @ Phoenix | Rd5 NBL26

Game Preview: Hawks @ Phoenix | Rd5 NBL26

Confidence Soars as Hawks Aim to Build on Brisbane Blowout

Fresh off a dominant 116–89 win over Brisbane, the Illawarra Hawks hit the road this Saturday night looking to claim their first away win of the season when they take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix at John Cain Arena — the very court where the Hawks clinched Games 2 and 4 of last season’s Grand Final series.

It’s been a challenging start away from home, with early road losses in Perth and New Zealand, but this group knows how to respond. Last season’s championship-winning squad finished with an equal league-best 10 road victories, and Saturday presents a perfect opportunity to reassert that road warrior mentality.

The home win over Brisbane was a reminder of what the Hawks are capable of at full throttle. Tyler Harvey was the engine — dishing out a career-high 10 assists while still lighting it up on the scoreboard. JaVale McGee was a dominant force inside once again, recording his third double-double of the season.

It was a full team effort, with seven Hawks scoring in double figures — a clear sign of the depth and chemistry building under Coach Justin Tatum. Harry Froling added 9 points off the bench, with contributions coming across the board in a game that had the WIN Entertainment Centre on its feet.

Their opponent, South East Melbourne (2–1 at time of writing, they face the 36ers in Adelaide on Thursday night), enters with momentum of its own. Led by Nathan Sobey (19.0 ppg), John Brown (13.0 ppg, 3.7 spg), and sniper Owen Foxwell (58% from three), the Phoenix have proven to be tough at home.

But the Hawks have weapons of their own. McGee (22.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg) has been near unstoppable in the paint, while Harvey (20.5 ppg, 6.0 apg, 2.0 spg) continues to show why he’s one of the NBL’s premier guards — a multi-time All-NBL First Teamer now adding elite playmaking to his already lethal offensive game.

📲 Check our social media throughout the weekend for highlights, photos, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access from Melbourne.

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HUNGRY JACK’S NBL SEASON 2025/26 | Rd6

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX vs ILLAWARRA HAWKS
📅 Saturday, 18 October 2025
🕗 8:00 PM AEDT
📍 John Cain Arena, Melbourne
📺 Watch live or on demand via ESPN on Disney+
📊 Live scores: NBL Match Centre