Game Report: Hawks @ Breakers | Rd4 NBL26

The defending champion Illawarra Hawks were dealt a tough blow in their NBL Ignite Cup debut, going down 117–88 to the New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena on Wednesday night.

After leading early, the Hawks were made to pay for defensive lapses and hot New Zealand shooting, with the Breakers hitting 18 triples and dishing out 30 assists in a sizzling offensive display. Despite the result, there were still some positives to take back to Wollongong.

Tyler Harvey once again led from the front with 22 points and six assists, while JaVale McGee continued his strong start to the season with 19 points, five assists, three rebounds, and three blocks, and despite the lopsided final score,  McGee remained a bright spot, finishing +2 in his 22 minutes on court, the only Hawk in the positives on the night, underscoring his impact at both ends.

Mason Peatling (14 points, 6 rebounds) was valuable, and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk chipped in with 10 points.

The Hawks were in touch early, leading briefly in the opening term before the Breakers surged ahead 30–24. Illawarra shot an efficient 49% in the first half but couldn’t keep pace with a New Zealand side that hit 59% from the field and 8/14 from deep by halftime.

A fiery burst from Illawarra (11-0 scoring run) cut the deficit to four late in the second quarter, but the Breakers quickly restored control and extended their advantage to double figures heading into the final term.

For the Breakers, Parker Jackson-Cartwright was electric with 20 points and a record-breaking 17 assists, while Sam Mennenga added 20 points and six rebounds.

The Hawks now sit at 0-3 to start their title defence and will look to bounce back this Saturday night when they host the Brisbane Bullets at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

🦅 We need you, Hawkheads! Pack the WEC and help the boys get our championship defence back on track.
🎟️ Get your tickets now via Ticketmaster.
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HUNGRY JACK’S NBL SEASON 2025/26 – IGNITE CUP BY DISNEY+ (Boxscore)
NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS 117 (Mennenga 20, Jackson-Cartwright 20, Te Rangi 18)
ILLAWARRA HAWKS 88 (Harvey 22, McGee 19, Peatling 14)