McGee’s Heroics Lift Hawks to Stunning Win Over Wildcats

JaVale McGee delivered a vintage performance — and a moment for the highlight reels — as the Illawarra Hawks stunned the Perth Wildcats 85–84 in a thriller at RAC Arena on Saturday night.

The seven-foot, three-time NBA champion was immense in the closing moments, hitting the game-winning free throw with 1.2 seconds left and then blocking Perth’s final shot at the buzzer to clinch a vital win that lifts Illawarra off the bottom of the NBL ladder.

McGee finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, but it was his composure in the clutch that stole the show. He traded blows all night with Wildcats big man Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (18 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks) in a bruising, high-quality battle between two elite centres.

Tyler Harvey was equally pivotal for the Hawks, pouring in 24 points, eight assists and five rebounds, hitting five triples and two crucial free throws late. His poise in the final two minutes steadied Illawarra as Perth threatened to complete their own comeback.

The Wildcats looked set to force overtime when coach John Rillie’s sideline play left Elijah Pepper wide open for a game-tying three. But with the score level and seconds remaining, Perth’s Kristian Doolittle was called for hooking McGee’s arms as the Hawks lobbed inside for the final play.

Under deafening pressure from the Red Army, McGee missed the first free throw — but drained the second to put Illawarra ahead by one. On the final possession, Jesse Wagstaff’s desperate jumper was tipped by McGee, sealing a dramatic victory and sparking wild celebrations from the travelling bench.

It was the response the Hawks needed after a 40-point loss to South East Melbourne earlier in the week. Coach Justin Tatum’s side played with renewed intensity, even handing a surprise start to 17-year-old New Zealander Jackson Ball, who held his own in 32 composed minutes.

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk added 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting, Todd Blanchfield chipped in eight, and Jonah Bolden contributed seven points and eight rebounds.

For Perth, young guard Ben Henshall was impressive again with 17 points, while Pepper added 12. But the Wildcats’ three-point shooting woes proved costly — just 5-of-32 for the night and 1-of-17 in the first half — as they slipped to 4–4 on the season.

The Hawks’ effort was all heart, defined by grit and belief. And in the final seconds, it was McGee’s size, calm and experience that made the difference.

The Wildcats now travel to face the Tasmania JackJumpers in the Ignite Cup on Wednesday, while the Hawks return home to host the New Zealand Breakers on Friday night.

Final score: Illawarra Hawks 85 defeated Perth Wildcats 84.