JaVale McGee Leads Illawarra Hawks to Crucial Comeback Win Over Brisbane

The Illawarra Hawks claimed a key win on Thursday night after beating the Brisbane Bullets 100-85 at WIN Entertainment Centre. The victory came after a late surge led by JaVale McGee. The Hawks had trailed for most of the night before turning the game around in the final minutes.

The game mattered for both teams. Illawarra needed a win to stay alive in the playoff race. Brisbane needed one to end a losing streak. According to Reuters and other major outlets, the Hawks showed more control in the final stretch.

JaVale McGee Dominates as Hawks Rally Late

JaVale McGee was the clear force of the night. He scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was his 13th double-double in 16 NBL games. His inside play changed the game in the second half. McGee hit 13 of 19 shots and made all four free throws.

Illawarra trailed by 14 early in the second quarter. Brisbane opened with a strong 33-point first period. The Hawks struggled with turnovers and slow defense. They gave the ball away four times in the first five minutes alone. Coach Justin Tatum called a quick time-out to settle his team. The change helped them stop the slide.

QJ Peterson helped spark the comeback. He finished with 19 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. Will Hickey added 18 points, and Tyler Harvey scored 17. According to AP News, the Hawks made their first 19 free throws and stayed composed under pressure.

The final minutes decided the game. Illawarra went on a 16-2 run. Their defense tightened. Brisbane scored only seven points in the last five minutes. The Hawks controlled the boards and took smarter shots. McGee set the tone inside and did not let Brisbane get easy looks.

Bullets Fade Late as Injuries and Pressure Mount

The Bullets faced problems from the start. Dakota Mathias left early with a shoulder injury. It weakened Brisbane’s wing depth and scoring options. Terry Taylor led the Bullets with 18 points and eight rebounds. Javon Freeman-Liberty and Tyrell Harrison added 13 each.

But Brisbane could not match Illawarra’s physical play late in the game. The team looked flat in the final minutes. Coach Stu Lash said his players did not fight for rebounds the way they needed to. According to The Guardian, Brisbane now sits deeper in the league standings with a fifth straight loss.

The Hawks showed strong team character. They are still dealing with injuries. Sam Froling continues his Achilles rehab from last season’s championship series. Justin Tatum has shared rehab videos between Froling and NBA star Jayson Tatum to keep both motivated. The team says this has helped morale during a tough stretch.

What the Result Means for Both Teams

Illawarra improved to 6-10 with the win. The win keeps their playoff hopes alive. They face Melbourne United next week in a rematch of last year’s finals. The Hawks believe this victory could be a turning point.

Brisbane dropped to 5-12. The team must regroup before facing Perth. They need more balance on both ends of the floor. They also need better closing energy. The loss puts them under more pressure as the season moves forward.

This game showed how much impact JaVale McGee can have. His play lifted the Hawks and changed the momentum. Illawarra now hopes this strong finish can carry into their next games and keep them in the playoff chase.

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Q1: What made JaVale McGee stand out in the Hawks’ win?

He scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. He controlled the paint and set the tone late. His play was key in the 16-2 closing run.

Q2: Why did Brisbane struggle late in the game?

They lost Dakota Mathias to injury. They also struggled with rebounding and physical play. Their offense slowed in the final minutes.

Q3: How did Illawarra turn the game around?

They tightened their defense and made better shots. They also went on a strong 16-2 run. Their free-throw shooting was perfect until the final minutes.

Q4: Who else helped Illawarra besides McGee?

QJ Peterson, Will Hickey, and Tyler Harvey all scored in double figures. They helped balance the offense. They also moved the ball well.

Q5: What does this win mean for Illawarra?

It keeps their season alive. They now hold a chance to fight for a playoff spot. It also boosts team morale.