Game Report: Hawks @ Kings | RD19 NBL26
29 Jan 2026
1
min read


Kings' Perimeter Masterclass Reclaims Adrian Hurley Cup as Hawks Look to Saturday
The Freeway Series intensity returned to Qudos Bank Arena on Thursday night, but a clinical shooting performance from the Sydney Kings ensured the home side maintained control throughout the evening. While our boys showed incredible grit to match the Kings' scoring for much of the second half and prevent the deficit from blowing out further, the result was rarely in doubt as Sydney secured a 122–104 victory.
The loss sees the Kings take a 3–0 season series lead, officially reclaiming the Adrian Hurley Cup for the 2025/26 season. The primary difference was the Kings' "insane" accuracy from beyond the arc, as they drained 15 triples at a 53.6% clip.
Harvey and Grida Lead the Fight
Despite the result, Hawkheads have plenty of reason for optimism heading into the final stretch. Captain Tyler Harvey is officially back in elite form, leading the Hawks with 25 points and providing the offensive spark we need.
Daniel Grida continued his blistering run, proving why he is the league's ultimate spark plug. Grida was nearly automatic from the floor, shooting 7-from-9 (77.8%) for 17 points. JaVale McGee was a tower of strength in the paint with 17 points and 9 rebounds, while William "Davo" Hickey stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals.
Opposition Watch: The Kings were led by Tim Soares (23 points) and Kendric Davis (22 points, 9 assists).
Must-Win at the Sandpit this Saturday!
With the Hawks now sitting at 10–17, the focus shifts immediately to a massive must-win home game against the Perth Wildcats this Saturday. Our post-season survival is on the line, and we need the Sandpit rocking to get the boys over the line!
Next Game Details:
- Who: Illawarra Hawks vs Perth Wildcats
- When: Saturday, Jan 31, 8:00 pm AEDT
- Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
- Tickets: Head to Ticketmaster to secure your seats!
Check our social media channels for all the highlights and photos from tonight's game.
HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2025/26
SYDNEY KINGS 122 (Soares 23, Davis 22, Maluach 21)
ILLAWARRA HAWKS 104 (Harvey 25, McGee 17, Grida 17, Hickey 15)

13 Mar
Want to sit court side thanks to Greater Bank?

12 Mar
Hawks alumni #120, Adam Caporn, named head coach of the Boomers.

12 Mar
"We’re headed back to the Gong, we’re coming home.” Justin Tatum

8 Mar
The Hawks Announce New Leadership Structure

7 Mar
“It's going to be a hell of a series, and it's one we are really looking forward to” Sam Froling

4 Mar
Why? “Because we earned it,” sparkplug guard Dan Grida says.

2 Mar
“We put ourselves in this situation,” Coach Tatum

27 Feb
IBA Re-signs Illawarra Junior & Illawarra Hawks Development Player

26 Feb
IBA Welcomes Kobe McDowell-White to NBL1 Men’s Team

25 Feb
Todd Blanchfield Joins Illawarra Hawks NBL1 Men's Team

19 Feb
‘Stay ready, your time will come’

19 Feb
Your NBL25 Illawarra Hawks MVP's' have been announced

11 Feb
NBL26 Membership 'Lock Me In Deposit'

11 Feb
For the first time in club history

10 Feb
Illawarra Hawks Shine at the Andrew Gaze NBL MVP Awards

7 Feb
Illawarra's Regular Season Champions
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