Game Preview: Hawks vs Kings | RD9 NBL26

There’s pride on the line, history in the air, and a Cup up for grabs this Sunday as the Illawarra Hawks host the Sydney Kings in the opening chapter of the 2025/26 Adrian Hurley Cup series at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

After a turbulent start to their title defence, the reigning champs have hit their stride — riding back-to-back statement wins over Melbourne United and Cairns, capped by Will “Davo” Hickey’s record-breaking triple-double in Round 8. The Hawks are finally flying again, and there’d be no sweeter way to keep their surge going than by knocking off their fiercest rival in front of a packed Sandpit crowd.

Rivalry, Respect, and the Adrian Hurley Cup

When the Hawks and Kings meet, it’s never just another game. The Adrian Hurley Cup — named in honour of coaching legend Adrian Hurley — celebrates the fierce, decades-long rivalry between two proud New South Wales clubs.

Since the Cup’s inception in 2015/16, Sydney lead the series 6–4, but the Hawks hold the bragging rights after last season’s clean 4–0 sweep, one of the most dominant series wins in Cup history. Under Coach Justin Tatum, the Hawks are a perfect 6–0 all-time against Sydney — and they’ll be determined to keep that record spotless this Sunday.

Big-Spending Kings Bring Reinforcements

Following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, the Kings reloaded in a major way. They added Grand Final MVP Matthew Dellavedova — who crossed from Melbourne United after an unforgettable Finals series against the Hawks — along with All-NBL First Team guard Kendrick Davis (from Adelaide), and re-signed championship-winning import Tim Soares to anchor their front line.

The new-look Kings have found some rhythm, entering Round 9 at 6–5 following a come-from-behind win over the New Zealand Breakers in Sydney on Sunday afternoon — a result that steadied their season and sets the stage perfectly for this latest Cup showdown.

Dellavedova’s arrival adds another layer to this rivalry. The veteran guard was awarded Grand Final MVP last season even as United fell to the Hawks in the Championship Series at the WIN Entertainment Centre — in a moment that sparked headlines across the league, a moment of pure class where Dellavedova graciously handed his medal to Hawks star Davo Hickey, recognising the true MVP performance. It was a powerful act of sportsmanship — one that still echoes as they prepare to battle again.

Sydney also boast a familiar face in Xavier Cooks, an Illawarra junior turned NBL star, whose return to the Gong always brings a mix of pride and rivalry.

Hawks in Hot Form

Momentum is back in the Gong.

JaVale McGee continues to dominate the league, coming off a blistering week that’s seen him post 37 points vs United, 28 points vs Cairns, and lead the NBL in rebounds (10.7) and blocks (2.5). The three-time NBA champion has anchored the Hawks’ defensive resurgence and is playing some of the most efficient basketball of his storied career.

Davo Hickey, fresh off the first triple-double of the NBL26 season, has evolved from fan favourite to full-fledged floor general — averaging 19.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.2 assists over his last three games. His playmaking and poise will be crucial against the Kings’ pressure defence.

Meanwhile, import guard QJ Peterson is finding his rhythm, scoring 22 points, shooting 4-of-6 from deep in Cairns to break out in style, while Tyler Harvey remains the heartbeat of the Hawks’ attack, averaging 17.4 points per game and shooting an elite 94% from the free throw line.

Battle of Styles

The Kings love to play fast and free behind Davis’ scoring and Dellavedova’s leadership, while the Hawks have rediscovered their identity — gritty defence, ball movement, and bruising interior play. Expect McGee and Soares to wage a war in the paint, while the Hickey–Davis matchup at the point promises fireworks from tip to tip.

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk’s defence will again be key — he’s long had Coach Tatum’s trust, but now the rest of the league is taking notice as he continues to expand his offensive game. Averaging a career-high 8.9 points per game while shooting 42% from deep, 88% from the line and 55% from the field, Wani has become one of the NBL’s most complete two-way players.

Mason Peatling continues to shine as well, averaging a career-high 8.1 points per game on 59% shooting, including a red-hot 44% from three — a huge leap from his career average of 31%. He’s nearly tripled his long-range attempts this season (up from 0.6 to almost 3 per game), giving the Hawks a reliable stretch option in the frontcourt and vital spacing alongside McGee.

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Be There

This one’s personal.

It’s NSW pride, championship pedigree, and the Adrian Hurley Cup all rolled into one. Don’t miss the Hawks’ return home as they look to extend their winning streak and keep the Cup in the Gong.

📅 Sunday, November 16

📍 WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

🎟️ Get your tickets now via Ticketmaster and be part of the action as the Hawks defend their crown and home court.

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