Hawks sense a shift as season turns

For only the second time during the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season, reigning champions Illawarra have strung back-to-back wins together, after recent victories over Tasmania and Cairns.

While this is a huge step in the right direction for the Hawks in their quest to defend their NBL25 title, a tougher task awaits Justin Tatum's side on Thursday night in the form of South East Melbourne.

The Phoenix currently sit second on the ladder, with a 15-7 record, powered by the second-best offence (119.1) and defence (109.1) in the league.

Winners of five of their past six games, the Phoenix are very comfortable in their roles, led by superstar Nathan Sobey (22 points a game) and electric forward John Brown III.

Although it may have taken longer than hoped, 21 games to be exact, coach Tatum believes his side, who defeated South East Melbourne in their last matchup, are starting to play to their strengths and helping one another excel.

"To defeat the Phoenix, we're going to need to have attention to detail, protect the ball, protect the three-point line, don't allow them 20 offensive rebounds, which is where their strength is and make Sobey take tough shots," Tatum said to the Illawarra Mercury.

"Then we need to go on and use our strengths on the offensive end. We need to roll into our bigs. QJ [Peterson] and T-Raw (Tyler Harvey) are starting to get a feel for it, and their shots are starting to fall a little bit, and Wani [Swaka Lo Buluk] is doing his thing on both ends.

"I believe our confidence and understanding will definitely help us get a win on Thursday."

The Round 16 State Basketball Centre fixture tips off at 7.30pm, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> One key stat stands between the Illawarra Hawks and an NBL finals berth