JaVale McGee Puts on a Show as Hawks Stun United in Wollongong

The defending champion Illawarra Hawks have reignited their NBL26 title defence with a statement win, taking down Melbourne United 107–93 in Wollongong behind a monster night from JaVale McGee.

The three-time NBA champion was unstoppable, piling on 37 points, 14 rebounds, and two steals while shooting 13-of-21 from the field and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line — and even draining his first NBL three-pointer.

The bottom-ranked Hawks produced their best performance of the season to stun the league leaders at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Wednesday night, collecting six of the seven Ignite Cup points on offer.

Melbourne, coming off their first defeat of the season to the Sydney Kings on Monday, were again outmatched on the same floor where their 2024 Championship Series hopes ended.

Illawarra led from start to finish, riding the emotion of a loud home crowd and erasing memories of last week’s record 42-point home loss to the New Zealand Breakers.

McGee dominated inside from the outset, bullying Jesse Edwards — who battled foul trouble throughout — and throwing down thunderous finishes as the Hawks stormed to a 57–43 halftime lead. By the main break, Illawarra were 18-of-19 from the foul line and had crushed Melbourne on the glass 26–13.

It was far from a solo effort, with Davo Hickey continuing his hot form (18 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two blocks) and Tyler Harvey finding his range from deep (17 points, 4/5 3PT). New import QJ Peterson enjoyed his best game yet with 11 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Wani Swaka Lo Buluk added 14 points and helped restrict Chris Goulding to just five points on 2/8 shooting.

Despite a second-half surge from United led by Finn Delany (21 points) and Jesse Edwards (19 points, six rebounds), the visitors never truly threatened after Edwards fouled out midway through the final quarter. McGee sealed the win with a step-back three and a triumphant arm whirl that brought the Wollongong faithful to their feet.

Tempers flared briefly after the buzzer when Hickey and Melbourne’s Fabijan Krslovic exchanged words midcourt, but by then the Hawks’ title defence had new life.

The Hawks (3–5) now head north to face the Cairns Taipans on Friday night, while Melbourne (9–2) returns home for a highly anticipated Throwdown against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday.

Final score: Illawarra Hawks 107 defeated Melbourne United 93.