Game Report: Hawks vs Kings | RD21 NBL26

Hawks Title Defence Ends at the Sandpit as Grida Hits 150

The Illawarra Hawks’ reign as NBL champions has officially come to a close following a 120-94 defeat to the Sydney Kings on Friday night. With the result, the Hawks no longer have a mathematical chance to grab that sixth as the clinical Kings outfit reclaimed top spot on the NBL ladder.

While the scoreboard stung, the night belonged to Dan Grida, who celebrated his 150th NBL game—all in Hawks the black, red and white. Grida becomes just the 16th Hawk in history to reach the 150-game milestone, a testament to his incredible resilience after navigating a career plagued by more than his fair share of injury ordeals. Suiting up for his big night, Dan provided the typical hustle that has made him a fan favourite, ending the night with 8 points, including an early triple that brought the Sandpit to life.

Milestone Magic and Grit

Without JaVale McGee (sitting out), the Hawks were forced to find offense elsewhere against a deep Sydney rotation. Tyler Harvey led the scoring with 16 points and 5 assists. In doing so, our captain officially moved past AJ Ogilvy into outright 12th on the club's all-time appearances list with 191 games.

Sam Froling fought tirelessly for 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Mason Peatling provided a near double-double threat with 11 points and 9 boards. The Hawks showed flashes of the championship DNA that won them the title last year, cutting a large deficit to just four points midway through the third quarter. However, the Kings' depth proved too much, as MVP frontrunner Kendric Davis (24 points) sparked a ruthless finish.

"ILLLA-WARRA!" Echoes Through the WEC

Despite the result, the Hawkheads proved why they are the best fans in the league. In the final minutes of the game, down by over 20 points, a spontaneous and roaring rendition of the famous "ILLLLLA-WARRRA!" chant echoed throughout the WIN Entertainment Centre. It was a raw, emotional moment that showed the beauty of this club isn't just in the banners we hang; it's in the journey between them and the fans who stay loud regardless of the score.

Looking Toward NBL27

It has been a rollercoaster year that never quite found top gear. From a championship defense to battling through a gauntlet of injuries and roster shifts, this season has tested our resolve. Post-game, Coach Justin Tatum mentioned the need to get the roster finalised much earlier than last off-season, where it proved tough to fill the gaping holes left by the departures of Trey Kell, Lachlan Olbrich, and Darius Days.

The Hawks now move into the final week of the season with two road games to finish the campaign with pride before the club's MVP awards dinner next Friday.

NEXT GAME

‍The Hawks head to Melbourne to face United this Sunday, followed by a final trip to Hobart on Wednesday.

• Opponent: Melbourne United
• Date: Sunday, 15 Feb, 2:30 pm
• Location: John Cain Arena

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HUNGRY JACK'S NBL SEASON 2025/26
SYDNEY KINGS 120 (Davis 24, Robertson 17, Soares 16, Noi 14, Maluach 11, Cooks 11)
ILLAWARRA HAWKS 94 (Harvey 16, Froling 14, Peatling 11, Grida 8)

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