Playoff Game 3 Preview - Hawks v United

If the first two games of this series are any indication, game three is set to be another finals classic.

Both games have been decided deep in the overtime period, with the home teams prevailing in thrilling circumstances. 

An offensive rebound and contested layup from Davo Hickey in the final second of regulation sent Game 2 to overtime. The Hawks controlled the overtime period to run out 113-108 winners.

Gary Clark was a constant presence for the Hawks, adding 31 points and 16 rebounds, while Tyler Harvey came up big in critical moments. Davo Hickey was the hero, though, with a career-high of 18 points and a blanketing defensive performance against his former side.

He was suffocating and decisive on the defensive end, and he chased every rebound, defensive matchup, and loose ball like it was his last.

Coach Tatum was excited by the prospect of facing United back on their home floor, with the squad looking for redemption from their late fadeout in game one.

"I'm not going to say there's no pressure because obviously that would be lying, but there's a sense of 'we've been here already, we've been in this situation," said Tatum.

The Hawks have revelled in road games this season, and a win tonight will continue one of the greatest redemption stories in recent NBL history.

Opposition Watch 

Dean Vickerman lamented United's free throw efficiency and defensive intensity in Wollongong on Sunday.

Matthew Dellavedova again paced United in the scorer's column, and Lo Lual-Acuil and Ian Clark played their role in the supporting cast.

Luke Travers had the job on Gary Clark for large stretches in Game Two and will have his hands full again as he attempts to slow the Hawks star forward.

United has won each of its last 12 games following a loss, but that will count for little up against a Hawks side up for the challenge and riding a wave of momentum.

Where To Watch

Catch the action from 7:30 pm AEDT Live on ESPN via Kayo.

Hawks Watch Party

Why not join the watch party at Hotel Illawarra, 160-164 Keira St, Wollongong, from 7:30 pm AEDT.