Hawks Host Taipans on Thursday Night

The match-up with the Taipans is the first of two crucial outings for the Hawks this weekend before we head south for a rematch with Melbourne United on Sunday afternoon.

An impressive offensive output (91 points) wasn't enough to outlast a United squad that shot 70% from inside the arc on Friday night.

Gary Clark is fast establishing himself as a walking double-double with another solid performance against one of the league's best frontcourts.

The scoring load was shared across the Hawks backcourt, with Hyunjung Lee returning from illness to score 11 points and continue his stellar start to the season from behind the 3-point line.

Hawk Nation was treated to AJ Johnson's first points on his new home court, with a triple and a three-point play complemented by a no-look pass on the break for a Gary Clark dunk in the second quarter.

The challenge has been set down from Coach Jackomas to his charges, and the test against a young and athletic Taipans squad is coming at a great time for the Hawks, who are one four-quarter effort at the defensive end away from kickstarting our season.

Opposition Watch

The Taipans return to NBL match play after participating in last week's NBL x NBA fixtures in the US.

Cairns' developing roster will lean on the experience gained from matches against the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors to launch their NBL24 campaign, currently sitting at two wins and one loss.

Adam Forde's squad boasts some of the league's most promising young talent, led by wing Bul Kuol and New Zealand big man Sam Waardenburg.

Tahjere McCall is the established import in the north, joined this season by point guard Patrick Miller and newcomer Josh Roberts.

Rookie big man Sam Mennenga, a former Davidson University teammate of Hawk Hyunjung Lee, is an emerging talent, as is Swedish-born Next Star Bobi Kilntman, who has established himself as a regular contributor in the early rounds.

We Rise Together

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster for tonight's match at www.hawks.com.au/tickets 

Be in your seats by 7.15 pm for lights out, with the action to tip-off at 7.30 pm.