Game Preview: Hawks vs Bullets | RD12 NBL26

The Illawarra Hawks return to the WIN Entertainment Centre on Thursday night for a crucial Round 12 showdown with the Brisbane Bullets — and after Saturday’s frustrating loss to Cairns, this one feels like a must-win inside The Sandpit.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a fortnight for the defending champs. A historic OT win, a tough home defeat, and now a chance to reset against a Brisbane side that’s been hammered by injuries and currently sits 10th at 5–11.

And the Hawks? At 5–10, hungry, desperate, and back in front of their people — this is exactly the kind of moment The Gong rises for.

Tatum’s Challenge to the Group

After the Taipans snatched a shock win in Wollongong, Tatum didn’t sugarcoat a thing:

“We’re fighting every game to scrap, so who they have or who they don’t have shouldn’t matter to us at all, which is what I was preaching to my team,” Tatum said.

He emphasised what every Hawkhead saw firsthand — the energy wasn’t there early, and it cost Illawarra dearly.

“The guys have to find a way to do better execute and come out with more energy. These guys are professional basketball players, so they know the effort levels they needed to bring to compete.”

Cairns, undermanned and playing free, took full advantage.

“It’s not just matching the energy and effort levels. Cairns had nothing to lose besides the game, so they just came out here and played free and played hard. We just didn’t match that.”

And the coach didn’t shy away from the obvious issue:

“Multiple offensive rebounds or breakdowns on the defensive end allowed them to get easy looks. Word is out that Illawarra does not box out, so most teams are very aggressive on that end.”

It was the kind of brutally honest assessment championship teams need.

“A lot of things that were mixed into that loss. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t play to the level that we were anticipating.”

Thursday night is the response opportunity.

Hawks Storylines to Watch

Hickey’s Historic Pace:
Will “Davo” Hickey continues to put together one of the great playmaking seasons in Hawks history.

His 7.9 assists per game lead the entire NBL, and if he keeps this pace, he’ll finish with one of the highest assist averages the club has ever seen — behind only the legendary Gordie McLeod:

• Gordie McLeod – 10.5 (1985)
• Gordie McLeod – 8.5 (in 1984 & 1987)

The only other Hawks to average over 7apg are:

• Darnell Mee (7.6 in 2004/05)
• Andre LaFleur (7.4 in 1995)
• LaMelo Ball (7.0 in 2019/20)
• Greg Hubbard (7.0 in 1990)

He’s driving the offence, defending at an elite level, rebounding like a forward.

McGee Towering Above the Competition
JaVale McGee continues his MVP-calibre stretch:

• Leads the NBL in rebounds (10.7 rpg)
• Leads the NBL in blocks (2.1 bpg)
• 4th in points (21.7 ppg)

Grida’s Return Spark
Dan Grida lit up The Sandpit on Saturday with 18 points in just 10 minutes — his career-best scoring night.

If he continues to build rhythm, he gives Justin Tatum another two-way weapon on the wing.

Season Series Edge
The Hawks already beat Brisbane once this year — a 116–89 drubbing in Round 4 where seven Hawks scored in double figures.

A repeat of that unselfish, relentless performance is exactly what’s needed.

Scouting the Bullets

Brisbane enter at 5–11 and just suffered a 25-point loss to the red-hot 36ers.

They’ve also been hit hard by injuries:

• Leading scorer Casey Prather – season-ending injury (Nov)
• Injury replacement Lamar Patterson – season-ending injury (last week)

The Bullets have brought in Terry Taylor, an explosive forward who averaged 16.5 points and 8.3 rebounds in the G League last season. This will be his first look at Illawarra this year.

Tyrell Harrison remains a strong presence inside (9.6 rpg), and Javon Freeman-Liberty returns, but Brisbane’s depth has been stretched thin.

This is a team searching for stability.

The Hawks are a team searching for a spark.

Thursday’s game is massive for both sides, but even more so for Illawarra.

Keys to the Game

1. First-Quarter Energy 

Coach Tatum was clear with his comments after the Cairns game:

The Hawks must come out with urgency and intensity — no waiting until the second half to respond.

2. Rebound with Purpose

The Hawks were hurt badly on the glass against Cairns.

McGee, Hickey and Peatling must set an early tone, or Brisbane’s frontcourt will pounce.

3. Tempo, Tempo, Tempo

In Round 4, Illawarra won with pace and ball movement.

Harvey, QJ and Hickey pushing the tempo is key.

4. Collective Defensive Focus

Wani’s lockdown instincts, Grida’s spark, and Hickey’s versatility remain the backbone of this team.

The Stage Is Set

The Hawks need this win.

And history tells us Wollongong knows how to respond in big moments.

A victory here keeps the season alive heading into a tough stretch.

Be There, Hawkheads!

🎟️ Get your tickets now via Ticketmaster and pack The Sandpit!

Your energy changes games, and the boys need you louder than ever!

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