From 42-Point Loss to Heartbreak: Hawks Show Resilience in Defeat to Adelaide
The Illawarra Hawks suffered a narrow 90–88 loss to the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday, but showed impressive resilience just two days after one of their heaviest defeats. Coming off an equal franchise-low score, the team responded with one of its best performances of the NBL26 season.
With 1.6 seconds remaining, Will “Davo” Hickey had the chance to tie the game with two free throws but missed both. Despite that, Hickey delivered a standout effort, leading the team with 20 points, grabbing nine rebounds, dishing out eight assists, and blocking four shots. He came within one rebound and two assists of becoming only the second Indigenous player in league history to achieve a triple-double.
Illawarra entered Sunday’s fixture having not claimed a win in Adelaide for four years. Head coach Justin Tatum, however, expressed pride in his players’ response following the previous 42-point loss to the New Zealand Breakers in Wollongong.
“I tip my hat off to my team for coming back and having so much resilience and fighting them today. They gave a great effort on both ends of the floor, just a little bit unlucky,” Tatum said. “If my team plays like this every game from now on with a full, healthy roster, we can beat anybody.”
Tatum’s optimism and praise reflected a turning point for the Hawks, who displayed grit and renewed confidence despite the defeat.
Author’s Summary
Despite a heartbreaking two-point loss to Adelaide, the Illawarra Hawks proved their resilience with a strong performance led by Will Hickey and praised by coach Justin Tatum.