Game Report: Hawks @ Breakers | RD20 NBL26

Door slams shut on Hawks Championship defence

The Illawarra Hawks’ valiant fight for a post-season berth came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday night at Spark Arena, falling 106-95 to a clinical New Zealand Breakers outfit. Despite a trademark second-half surge that saw the margin cut to just a single bucket, the Hawks couldn't quite get over the hump in a high-octane encounter in Auckland.

The game started with the Hawks grabbing the first two points, but the Breakers responded with a 7-0 run as turnovers made it difficult to settle into a rhythm. However, JaVale McGee provided the highlight of the game in the first quarter; after a NZ turnover, the big man went behind-the-back at halfway and soared for a massive and-1 dunk that sent a shockwave through the arena.

Trailing 61-50 at the half after the Breakers caught fire from deep, Coach Justin Tatum made a bold tactical shift. To combat the Breakers' outside-shooting bigs, the Hawks went small, starting Mason Peatling at center and keeping McGee on the bench for the entire second half.

The energy shifted instantly. Daniel Grida was a whirlwind of hustle, and Johny Narkle provided a massive spark off the bench—the Hawks were +8 during Narkle's three-minute stint in the third. Todd Blanchfield and Tyler Harvey (who finished with 19 points apiece) began to find their range, with Harvey nailing his fifth triple of the night to help trim a 16-point deficit down to just 84-80 heading into the final term.

William "Davo" Hickey was absolutely everywhere for the Hawks, flirted with history as he fell just one assist shy of a triple-double, recording 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.

QJ Peterson cut the lead to 84-82 early in the fourth, but unfortunately fouled out shortly after, leaving the Hawks short on firepower in the closing minutes. The frustration of the season boiled over, his heated exit through the tunnel, which left him with a bloodied eyebrow, was a tough way to go out but proved just how much this game meant to the boys. It was a raw, emotional moment that mirrored the high stakes of the Hawks' final stand.

"It wasn't what I expected from my team," Coach Tatum said post-game. "Felt like we should have played with a sense of urgency. The inconsistency of this group has been a little frustrating here and there, but we have a great group of guys in that locker room."

For the Breakers, Izaiah Brockington (27 points) and Parker Jackson-Cartwright (23 points) proved difficult to contain down the stretch, while Rob Loe added 13 points, including several timely threes.

While the dream of back-to-back titles has ended, the Hawks now move into "spoiler" mode.

We have the chance to shake up the finals bracket, starting with the biggest game of them all.

Many Hawkheads say:

"I don't care how many we lose, as long as we beat Sydney"

Well, that opportunity is right in front of us.

‍NEXT GAME

‍The Hawks return home to the WIN Entertainment Centre for our home season finale against the Sydney Kings! Let’s pack the Sandpit and finish the year by taking down our rivals.

• Opponent: Sydney Kings
• Date: Friday, 13 Feb, 7:30 pm
• Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2025/26
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 106 (Brockington 27, Jackson-Cartwright 23, Webster 17)
‍ILLAWARRA HAWKS 95 (Harvey 19, Blanchfield 19, McGee 15, Hickey 14)

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