The Illawarra Hawks are staring down a critical juncture in their NBL title defence, with head coach Justin Tatum declaring his squad must soon engineer a three-game winning streak to keep their playoff dreams alive.
The Uphill Battle for a Finals Berth
While not yet in absolute must-win territory, the reality of the ladder is closing in on the reigning champions. With just 11 regular-season games remaining, the eighth-placed Hawks (8-13) find themselves three victories behind the sixth-placed Tasmania JackJumpers (11-13). This gap leaves little room for error in the race for the top six.
Tatum is acutely aware of the challenge but remains defiant about his team's postseason ambitions. "We're fighting every day, every game to find a way to get in the top six, and we need to try to find a way to defend our title," Tatum stated. "If we're first seed or sixth seed, we want to be in that mix to compete for our title again."
The immediate opportunity to start that crucial streak arrives on Thursday night, when the Hawks travel to face the formidable South East Melbourne Phoenix. A victory would mark the first time in NBL26 that Illawarra has strung together three consecutive wins.
Confronting the Red-Hot Phoenix
The task in Melbourne is monumental. The second-placed Phoenix (15-7) are in scintillating form, fresh off a high-quality 124-117 road victory over the Sydney Kings on Monday night. Their roster has been bolstered by the addition of championship-winning guard Ian Clark since the teams last met.
Tatum pinpointed the key threats his side must neutralise. "Attention to detail, protecting the ball, protecting the three-point line and don't allow them 20 offensive rebounds. That's where their strength is," he explained.
Stopping All-NBL First Team contender Nathan Sobey is paramount. Sobey torched the Kings for 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. "Make Sobey take tough shots, and if he makes them, he makes them," Tatum said. "But at the end of the day, everybody else can't have a field day against us."
Froling's Return Fuels Hawks' Resurgence
A significant boost for Illawarra has been the return of co-captain Sam Froling. The Hawks' recent improved run, including back-to-back home wins over Tasmania and the Cairns Taipans, has directly coincided with Froling's comeback from injury.
He posted a double-double in his return on Christmas Day and has been influential in both victories since. Tatum believes the team is finally rediscovering its rhythm and identity. "Guys are starting to get back into their regular roles, which is good for us," he observed.
"Before, when we had a lot of people hurt... guys were asked to do more... and sometimes it looked good, sometimes it didn't, as the 6-13 record showed. But now guys are starting to get back into their place and understanding what their roles are."
With key players like QJ Peterson, Tyler Harvey, and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk finding their form, and Froling anchoring the lineup, the Hawks' confidence is growing. Thursday's clash in Melbourne is more than just another game; it's the essential next step in a last-ditch push for finals salvation and a chance to keep the dream of back-to-back championships alive.
