How the Illawarra Hawks upset Melbourne United to win the NBL Finals
The Illawarra Hawks have won the NBL Finals after defeating Melbourne United by 10 points in game five. Here’s a summary of each game the strategies and statistics that determined the series.
Game one: Melbourne United win 96-88
The Illawarra Hawks dominated the first half of game one, as they led by 10 points at halftime. The Hawks made 50% of their three point shots in the first half, as Melbourne United often left perimeter players open, in attempt to contain the Hawk’s drives. As seen in this example below.
Melbourne United struggled to defend Hawk’s guard, Will Hickey, who had 14 points and eight assists. Melbourne United coach, Dean Vickerman, assigned centers, Marcus Lee and Robert Roe to defend Hickey on eight possessions. Lee and Roe did not guard Hickey at the three point line, as they encouraged him to shoot from three, where he shot 28% for the season. Through ignoring Hickey, Vickerman was able to position Lee and Roe inside the paint, this helped Melbourne United’s defence as Illawarra only scored 35 points in the second half.
Marcus Lee dominated offensively, as he scored 31 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, 5 of which were offensive rebounds. The Hawks struggled to contain Lee, as they brought both defenders to the level of the screen. This enabled Lee to roll towards the rim and score.
Overall, the Illawarra Hawk’s strategy of doubling the ball handler, enabled Marcus Lee to dominate offensively.
Game two: Illawarra Hawks win 102-100
The Illawarra Hawks were much more physical on defence in game two, than in game one. As Melbourne United committed 16 turnovers, seven more than in game one. Although, the Hawks increased physicality did lead to 25 fouls, including a foul on an Ian Clark three, when the Hawks led by three with 10.4 seconds to go. Fortunately for the Illawarra Hawks, their star forward, Tyler Harvey hit a three on the next possession to seal the victory and tie the series.
Game three: Melbourne United win 83-77
Melbourne United stars dominated in game 3, as Dellavedova scored 16 points and had 11 assists. While Jack White scored 20 points after a scoreless game 2. Yet another second half lapse cost the Hawks. As they led by 10 points in fourth quarter with 8 minutes left, but Melbourne United then scored 22 points to Illawarra’s six points, to win game three. In the first three games, the Hawks have led at half time, but they are only averaging 17 points in the fourth quarter. Whereas Melbourne United are averaging 28 points in the fourth quarter.
Game four: Illawarra Hawks upset Melbourne United and win 80-71
The Illawarra Hawks were without their star player, Trey Kell III, in game four due to injury. The Hawks injury issues became worse after their star center, Sam Froling, ruptured his Achilles tendon in the second quarter. The Hawks relied on their depth to win, with Hickey scoring 22 points while their backup center, Lachlan Olbrich, scored 13 points. The Hawks returned to their strength of scoring inside the paint, where they were the top team in the league throughout the season. As they shot 12 more 2-pointers and 12 less three pointers than in game three. Meanwhile, Melbourne United shot 26% from three in game four. Melbourne United guard, Chris Goulding, struggled as he was a game low -19 on the floor and shot 5-16. Meanwhile Hawks forward, Darius Days and Tyler Harvey shot below 30% in game 4, but both hit crucial threes to seal the victory for the Hawks. Illawarra Hawks coach, Justin Tatum, said in the post-match press conference, “our backs were against the wall” and “there was no tomorrow unless we created it.”
Game five: Illawarra Hawks defeat Melbourne United, 114-104
Trey Kell III returned from injury in game 5 and led the Illawarra Hawks to victory, as he scored 26 points, had 11 rebounds and seven assists. While Will Hickey scored 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Despite Will Hickey’s performance, Matthew Dellavedova was voted finals MVP. But Dellavedova gave the award to Hickey in an act of sportsmanship.