Robinson's fiery personal motivation

Memo to all NBL players – if you rile up Justin Robinson, prepare for him to go to another level.

South East Melbourne learned this the hard way on Saturday night, as Robinson exploded for 12 final quarter points to help the Hawks close out a 113-106 victory.

It came after Phoenix guard Ben Ayre engaged in a war of words with Robinson at three quarter time, which motivated the Hawks star to tap into a side that makes him one of the league’s most dangerous players.

"I've gotten better at not being the initiator to things, but if someone comes to me, it does rile me up a little bit," Robinson said via the Illawarra Mercury.

"Not that I'm not already energetic, but I think in the flow of the game it kind of turned me up a little bit. I don't know about poking the bear, but I do think the idea of him talking trash was a good thing for me and it was just allowing me to remind somebody who I am.

"My goal is to show who I am and just get back in that flow and show that I'm still one of the best in the world.”

Robinson ticks another milestone in his comeback from injury on Thursday night when he leads Illawarra into Tasmania against the JackJumpers – his first away NBL game.

"It'll be my first road opportunity on an away court in the NBL," he said.

"That's exciting for me and just being able to go into an environment like Tassie and Adelaide is just great. I think these feelings kind of remind me of college with how the [home] fans are really into it.

"I think this league as a whole, it's hard to win no matter if it's home or away. That's been shown so far in the games, so if you steal some on the road puts you in a better spot in that ladder."

The Hawks travel to Tasmania to face the JackJumpers on Thursday night, before they face Adelaide on Saturday night.