Round 2 Recap

Image Source: Official NBL

Round 2 of the NBL25 did not disappoint and saw some interesting results setting the scene for how the league is going to shape up this year. Let's get into it.

The Deep Dive: Hawks vs Kings

We need to wrap our heads around the Hawks taking out this years supposed champions (as word on the street would have it prior to yesterday afternoon). 

The Hawks came out HOT.

The energy and vibrato they brought in their first two match-ups did not cease in Qudos Bank Arena, nor were the Kings ready for such.

Sydney ceded 15 turnovers overall (yikes), highlighting the Hawk Hustle that Illawarra brought. The Kings in my eyes were a bit shocked at the level of intensity put on them from the start. Previously easy buckets from Cooks found a surrounding wall of defence, guaranteed shots from the arc weren’t dropping with the added pressure. A visibly frustrated Sydney side were adding up points in the wrong category; fouls, as Kings Forward Cameron Oliver copped three early fouls, disturbing the rhythm Sydney needed to find. While Illawarra were taking smart shots, building a 12-point lead at the end of the first.

This set the tone for the rest of the game. The Kings did regroup and find their groove, bringing the score back to a competitive margin, even taking the lead towards the end.

But the Hawks were too hot, leaving Sydney in their dust 96-89.

An interesting take that Kings Coach, Brian Goorjian had was that he’s against the use of microphones on individual players throughout the game. Referring to the fact that Oliver being mic’d up had an impact on his game and foul count.

“I’m not one for a player being mic’d up” stated Coach Goorjian post game. “It plays into if the guy needs to entertain… I told him to put a lid on it.”

To be fair, it worked. I don’t think Oliver received another foul after that chat, and his big time plays ended up being crucial in their near success.

Coach Goorjian summed up the Kings performance stating that “[Illawarra] were just more together, got the right guys shots in the right spots. We didn’t.”

“We’re building this thing for long term. I don’t see us as the front runners, I see us as a team that’s going to get better over the course of the year and try to give ourselves a chance.”

Young Kings Star, Alex Toohey showed up when they needed him most, putting in the hard yards to bring Sydney out of their early mess. He's quickly securing his place as a great in the NBL. Check out what Caleb has to say about his talent.

Also shout out to Keli Leaupepe who is quickly becoming one of my favourite new players on the Kings. He started strong and confidently filled a looming gap that Cameron Oliver left on the court when in foul trouble. The fact that he looks like he should be on the football field only makes his game that much more impressive. Not to mention the hair. Smokin’.

Another major factor playing into the Kings downfall was their travel fatigue. Caleb predicted this outcome purely based on the Kings schedule only just returning from Perth before the game. Unfortunate timing but lots to work on for the Kings.

On the other hand. Illawarra. What a show. Even as a Kings fan I have to give credit where credit is due. They outplayed the Kings in every way, even at some points when I thought they weren’t able to hold their intensity against a tougher team like they did against Brisbane, they somehow managed to bring it back each time.

Coach Tatum is really putting them to work and it’s paying off. Replacing big showtime shots and plays for simple, safe and tough basketball has worked (with the occasional flashy play when opportunity presents).

Super impressed with Big Three Lee. His jump shot is golden. So fluid and beautiful to watch as he positions himself perfectly in the corner. Love it Lee!

The Hawks bench didn’t feel as deep as the Kings, but they were able to maintain their flow which is what kept them ahead. Obviously Days, Kel III, Swaka Lo Buluk and Harvey are integral to the team, but one name to keep an eye on this season is William Hickey. Fresh from NBLONE, he’s quickly been making his mark in Illawarra defensively and building that offensive rapport. I foresee big things for Hickey in NBL.

Check out the game highlights here.

Let's take a Tangerine Timeout to discuss the Hawks jerseys.

With complete honesty, I did not vibe with them initially. The 'Illawarra' is way too low if you're going to have all that empty space up top. I’ve seen better jersey designs in my local division 3 men’s comp. Alas, it’s not what you wear but how you wear it, and with three massive wins under their belt the jerseys are growing on me. A good omen for the Hawks perhaps, we will see if it brings them luck against the 36ers this Saturday.

In Other Noise

The New Zealand Breakers have twice now almost dropped the ball with last minute comebacks from the Brisbane Bullets in Round 1 and now South East Melbourne Phoenix yesterday afternoon. Sloppy plays and a relaxed attitude have brought them too close to defeat, but Breakers Coach Petteri Koponen said it was the fans that pulled them through for the tight victory.

“I think it was one of the big reasons we won this game, the fans gave us that extra energy, that extra push. What we needed.”

The Breakers also hit a massive buzzer beater at the half with a hail mary pass to Matthew Mooney who sealed the deal.

We won't see the Breakers at home for the next two weeks as they battle it out against the NBA's Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder with the addition of basketball legend Tacko Fall on their roster. Don't miss that action.

Nathan Sobey of S.E.M had some strong moments but couldn't pull S.E.M out of the rut for both round 2 games putting them second last on the ladder ahead of Brisbane who have had an awful start to the season. "Pathetic" as Bullets Coach Justin Schueller would put it.

And Rob Edwards of the Cairns Taipans had a stellar performance against the 36ers with 31 big time points, mostly in the paint taking on Adelaides bigs. A valiant effort.

But looking ahead there are some good match ups coming for us this weekend including Adelaide 36ers and S.E.M Phoenix kicking it off on Thursday night.