Game Report: Hawks @ Bullets | RD18 NBL26

Record-Breaking Hawks Topple Bullets in Brisbane Masterclass

The defending champion Illawarra Hawks have sent a clear message to the rest of the league: we aren't done yet following a dismantling of the Brisbane Bullets 113–75 (Boxscore) at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Monday night. In a performance defined by depth and dead-eye accuracy, our boys secured their biggest win of the season and etched their names into the history books with a flawless display from the charity stripe.

The game didn't start exactly to plan, with Coach Justin Tatum pulling a bold "5-in, 5-out" substitution just four minutes in after the starters trailed 4–5 following a sluggish start. The move was a stroke of genius. The bench sparkled immediately, igniting a 12–2 run that pushed the lead to 22–11 by the end of the first quarter—holding Brisbane to their equal lowest opening term of the season.

With this clinical road win, the Hawks are creeping back up the ladder at the perfect time. This victory moves us to a 10–16 record, sitting in 7th position and breathing down the necks of the Tasmania JackJumpers. While the JackJumpers currently hold 6th spot with 12 wins, they have played 28 games to our 26. The destiny of that final play-in tournament spot is firmly in the Hawks' hands.

McGee and Harvey Lead the Charge

Our superstars were the definition of efficiency tonight. JaVale McGee was an absolute force of nature in the paint, finishing with a massive 18 points and 10 rebounds. McGee was virtually unstoppable, shooting a clinical 7/8 from the field, punctuated by thunderous dunks that left the Brisbane defense searching for answers.

Captain Tyler Harvey was equally clinical, orchestrating the offense with veteran poise. Harvey finished with a dominant 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.

QJ Peterson JR continues to be a flamethrower from deep. Coming into the game, QJ had hit at least 3 triples in five consecutive games; after going 3/4 from downtown tonight for his 15 points, that streak now stands at a staggering six games. He even extended the margin from the logo in the second term, hitting a deep three to make it 32–14.

Daniel Grida was the catalyst for the second-unit surge. Despite suffering a bleeding nose mid-way through the second quarter, Grida provided elite energy with fast-break finishes, a back-door cut dunk, and a relentless motor on the offensive glass.

The onslaught continued through the second term as William "Davo" Hickey pushed the lead to 29–11 with a corner triple and a strong drive.

Hickey was spectacular, finishing with 17 points, 7 assists, and a perfect 0 turnovers. QJPeterson JR then extended the margin from the logo, hitting a deep three to make it 32–14. By the time Sam Froling beat the halftime buzzer with a tough fadeaway, the Hawks led 55–31. Froling was facilitating like a point guard all night, racking up 4 first-half assists leading to easy back-door layups.

The second half was a procession, but the Hawks never let their foot off the gas. QJ opened the half with back-to-back triples, and Todd Blanchfield pushed the lead to as many as 48 point, with a massive 78 points coming from the bench and seven players in double figures.

A Night for the History Books

Perhaps the most impressive feat of the night was the Hawks' perfection at the line. Our boys went a perfect 27/27 from the free-throw line, setting a new NBL record for the most consecutive free throws made in a game without a miss. The previous record was Melbourne TIgers 25/25 in 1994.

Other statistical feats:

• 38 points is Hawks biggest road win since 2003.
• 41 points in 3rd quarter is Hawks highest of any quarter in the 10 minute format (2080 quarters played since 2010).
• The 38 point margin is Bullets biggest ever loss at Boondall (194 games played).

‍Opposition Watch

The depleted Bullets, missing seven regular players due to injury, were led by Hunter Maldonado (23 points) and Taine Murray (14 points), while Terry Taylor chipped in with 12 points.

Next Stop: The Freeway Series

The Hawks head straight home to prepare for a massive clash against the Kings this Thursday, Jan 29. Hawkheads, it’s an away game at Qudos Bank Arena, so let's get up the highway and make some noise!

Be sure to check our social media channels for all the best highlights and behind-the-scenes photos from tonight's historic win!

HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2025/26 (Boxscore)

ILLAWARRA HAWKS 113 (Harvey 22, McGee 18, Hickey 17, Peterson JR 15, Froling 14, Grida 13, Blanchfield 13)
BRISBANE BULLETS 75 (Maldonado 22, Harrison 14, Taylor 12)

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