Hawks carry momentum into semi-final opener against Kings

The Illawarra Hawks' first goal of making the NBL Finals series is now signed, sealed and delivered.

But that 19-9 record, which saw Brian Goorjian's side finish second in the regular season, means little as the semi-finals tip-off this Friday at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

While Illawarra will carry momentum into the best of three series opener against Sydney, thanks to winning eight of their past nine games as well as a 3-1 record against their NSW rivals this campaign, they know they'll have to take their games to another level now.

"We have another gear to go to," Hawks skipper AJ Ogilvy said.

"The last two games against the Kings have been great battles, decided in overtime and the final seconds.

"But we believe there is a higher level the Hawks can find in the Finals and hopefully we can reach that on Friday night."

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While the Adrian Hurley Cup rivals have met on 106 occasions, with the Hawks winning on 48 occasions, this will mark the first time ever they've met in a semi-final series - although they did meet in the big dance in 2005.

If the Hawks are to progress to their first decider since 2017, they will need guard Tyler Harvey to continue his recent hot stretch.

The Eastern Washington Eagles alum has scored in double figures in seven of the Hawks' past eight contests, including 35 and 15 points respectively in his last two matches against the Kings.

During that run, he has also totalled 24 assists and 14 steals.

As well as Harvey, the Hawks will also be hoping teammates Antonius Cleveland, Duop Reath and Justinian Jessup build on their exceptional play of late.

Memphis product Cleveland has scored in double figures in all but five games this campaign, including 18 points on Sunday against Sydney.

While Australian Boomer Reath is averaging a strong 18.8 points, 5.4 boards and 1.2 blocks in his last five outings for the foundation club.

Finally, NBL Next Star comes into the Freeway Series clash on the back of the standout showing against their arch-rivals, which included 24 points and five triples.

On the flip side, the Kings will be counting on the returning Jaylen Adams (who missed Sunday's round 21 fixture at Qudos Bank Arena) to spark their offence - with the guard recording averages of 20.1 points, 6.1 assists and 5.2 rebounds this season.

Other dangermen for the visitors will be Defensive Player of the Year nominee Xavier Cooks (15.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists) and former NBA player Jarell Martin (16 points and eight boards).

HawkHeads, grab your tickets now via Ticketmaster.