Game Preview: Hawks @ Taipans | RD8 NBL26

Fresh off their most complete performance of the season, the Illawarra Hawks head north to Cairns for the final leg of a demanding four-game, eight-day stretch — a Friday night clash with the Taipans that looms large on the NBL26 ladder.

Wednesday’s 107–93 statement win over league-leading Melbourne United has reignited belief in Justin Tatum’s group. Now sitting at 3–6, the Hawks have a chance to close the gap on the mid-table pack with another strong performance.

McGee and Hickey Forming a Dangerous Duo

JaVale McGee was simply unstoppable in Wednesday’s win, dropping 37 points and 14 rebounds in a vintage display that showcased both dominance and flair. The three-time NBA champion and Olympic gold medallist said post-game that his focus is on staying consistently aggressive, and he credited William “Davo” Hickey’s return as a major factor in unlocking his rhythm.

“I was just trying to be aggressive and that’s one thing I struggle with — staying consistent on the aggressive end,” McGee said. “My teammates were really pushing the pace today. I was down the floor, they were throwing it ahead, and it was a big team effort.

“I think that was our missing piece — Davo didn’t play the first six games, and every game he’s played we’ve had a different energy and pace. I just feel like they can’t guard me and him, especially on our screen and rolls.”

McGee currently ranks third in the NBL in scoring (22.7 ppg), while Hickey’s all-around brilliance since returning from injury has been pivotal — 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win over United, which backed up Sunday’s  20 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks in Adelaide. Together, they’ve brought swagger and tempo back to the Hawks’ offence.

Cairns Getting Healthy — and Hungry

The Taipans (3–8) enter Friday’s contest desperate for another win after halting a four-game slide with a last start win over Tasmania. They received a massive boost with the return of Jack McVeigh, the 2024 NBL Grand Final MVP and Australian Olympian. McVeigh leads Cairns with 14.5 points per game, while import guard Andrew Andrews provides scoring punch (13.9 ppg, 5.4 apg) and Marcus Lee anchors the paint with 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

For Illawarra, Jonah Bolden did not travel, staying in Wollongong for light rehab, meaning extra front court minutes for Mason Peatling and Todd Blanchfield to complement McGee’s interior presence.

Familiar Faces and Added Meaning

Friday’s clash also carries a touch of nostalgia. Illawarra basketball great Gordie McLeod — whose No.5 jersey hangs proudly in the WIN Entertainment Centre rafters — now calls Cairns home and is expected courtside, catching up with former Hawks colleagues Mat Campbell and Matt Flinn.

Coach’s Challenge: Contain McVeigh, Keep the Pace

Expect Coach Justin Tatum to double down on defensive intensity, led by Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, who was superb holding Chris Goulding to five points on Wednesday. If Wani and company can make life tough for McVeigh and Andrews while maintaining the pace that powered their win over United, the Hawks will be in prime position to close this brutal week on a high.

Both teams sit on three wins, with Illawarra eager to build momentum and continue climbing back toward playoff contention after a rocky start.

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Next Home Game:

🎟️ The Hawks return to The Sandpit on Sunday, November 16 at 2:30pm vs Sydney Kings. Be there live — grab your tickets now via Ticketmaster!

📲 Don’t forget to check out our social media channels for behind-the-scenes content, highlights, and photos from the road in Cairns.