Hawks Go Down Fighting Against G League United

The Hawks again came out swinging, with JaQuori McLaughlin opening the scoring from deep before JaVale McGee stamped his authority inside with back-to-back buckets to set up a 7-0 lead. Tyler Harvey then caught fire, dropping 12 points in the opening quarter capped by a spectacular running three on the buzzer to edge Illawarra ahead 25-24.

United responded with a flurry of triples in the second term to grab the lead, and despite a spark from Biwali Bayles’ coast-to-coast finish, the Hawks trailed 45-51 at the half. McGee returned from the break with a show-stopping dunk and even flashed some surprising handles, setting up Wani Swaka Lo Buluk for a finish at the rim. A spinning layup from Todd Blanchfield kept Illawarra within striking distance, but the Hawks entered the final quarter down 68-73.

Harvey continued his masterclass, bringing Illawarra within one possession multiple times, and a deep three behind a McGee screen tied it at 79 midway through the last. But United steadied with a 10-1 run, and the Hawks’ struggles at the stripe — going just 2-of-8 in the opening minutes of the fourth — ultimately proved decisive.

Harvey was outstanding with 32 points on a blistering 11-of-16 shooting, while Blanchfield added 16 points and 8 rebounds. McGee impressed again with 13 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, showing flashes of dominance on both ends.

For United, their balanced scoring and perimeter shooting proved the difference down the stretch as they secured the win.

The Hawks will back it up tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon in a consolation clash to close out their Intercontinental Cup campaign before flying home Monday to prepare for Saturday’s Hungry Jack’s NBL season opener and Championship banner unveiling at the WIN Entertainment Centre. Get your tickets now via Ticketmaster.

2025 – FIBA INTERCONTINENTAL CUP (Boxscore) 
NBA G LEAGUE UNITED 100
ILLAWARRA HAWKS 94 (Harvey 32, Blanchfield 16, McGee 13)

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