Harvey Sparks Hawks to First Win in Explosive Home Rout

The Illawarra Hawks have roared back to life in NBL26, torching the Brisbane Bullets 116–89 at WIN Entertainment Centre to record their first win of the season in devastating fashion.

Coming off a tumultuous week and three straight losses to start their title defence, the Hawks responded with a performance that reminded everyone why they’re the reigning champions. Tyler Harvey was at the heart of it — the American guard delivered a brilliant all-round display with 22 points, a career-high 10 assists, and five steals in a game that was over almost before it began.

The opening six minutes were a demolition. Illawarra opened with a 25–3 blitz that left Brisbane reeling and the home crowd in disbelief. The Hawks hit 70 per cent from the field in the first half, raced to a 68–47 lead by half-time, and never looked back.

It was a statement win from a team under pressure. After being crushed 117–88 by the Breakers midweek and parting ways with import guard Jaquori McLaughlin, Illawarra responded with an inspired, united effort. Every player contributed — JaVale McGee added 13 points and 12 rebounds, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk chipped in 12 points, and both Mason Peatling and Todd Blanchfield finished with 13 apiece. Daniel Grida also made a strong return from injury, injecting energy off the bench in the second half.

The Hawks were relentless, sharing the ball for easy looks and defending with intent. They drained 11-of-25 from beyond the arc and won the rebound battle 38–28 while forcing the Bullets into 19 turnovers. By contrast, Brisbane shot a dismal 3-of-22 from long range and hit just one of their first 10 field goals as Illawarra raced ahead 22–2.

Casey Prather did his best to keep the Bullets competitive, posting 28 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Lamar Patterson added 17 and Jaylen Adams 13. But it wasn’t nearly enough for a side missing key leaders Mitch Norton and Sam McDaniel, and still adjusting after parting ways with import Javon Freeman-Liberty earlier in the week.

Brisbane’s Tyrell Harrison battled foul trouble throughout, collecting his third personal just 90 seconds into the second quarter. By that stage, Illawarra were already rolling. Prather scored 10 points in the period to momentarily steady the visitors, but the Hawks’ depth was overwhelming — Harvey, McGee, and Blanchfield had all reached double figures by halftime as the defending champs piled on the season’s highest first-half total of 68 points.

Any faint hope of a Bullets comeback disappeared early in the fourth, when Illawarra connected on three straight triples to blow the lead out to 25. From there, coach Justin Tatum’s men cruised home, finally rediscovering the swagger that defined their championship run.

The win gives Illawarra a much-needed reset at 1–3 and sends a warning to the rest of the league that the champions are far from done. The Hawks will look to carry that momentum into next Saturday’s road clash with the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Brisbane, now 1–4, remains on the road to face the Perth Wildcats on Wednesday in the Ignite Cup.

Final score: Illawarra Hawks 116 defeated Brisbane Bullets 89.