36ers vs hawks

Adelaide 36ers vs Illawarra Hawks: A Rivalry Reignited in the NBL

The Adelaide 36ers and Illawarra Hawks rivalry is heating up once again in the National Basketball League (NBL), with recent clashes capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. The latest showdown on January 13, 2025, saw the 36ers edge out the Hawks in a nail-biting 91-88 victory, marking their third consecutive win against Illawarra this season. This intense rivalry isn’t just about points on the board—it’s a battle of resilience, strategy, and pride in the Australian basketball landscape.

With both teams fielding star-studded rosters and passionate fan bases, this matchup has become one of the most anticipated fixtures on the NBL calendar. But what’s behind the buzz? Let’s dive into the key moments, context, and implications of this fiery contest.

What Just Happened? The Latest Chapter in the 36ers-Hawks Saga

The most recent game between the Adelaide 36ers and Illawarra Hawks on January 13, 2025, delivered everything fans expect from a top-tier NBL clash: high energy, dramatic swings, and a photo finish. According to ESPN, the 36ers stormed out of the gates, pouring in 63 points in the first half to build a commanding 25-point lead. However, the Hawks mounted a furious comeback in the second half, cutting the deficit to just three points by the final buzzer.

Despite the Hawks’ late surge, the 36ers held firm, securing a 91-88 win and completing a season sweep over their rivals. This wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. As reported by NBL.com.au, the victory marked the third consecutive time Adelaide has defeated Illawarra in the 2024-25 season, reinforcing their dominance in this matchup.

But the drama didn’t end on the court. Post-game, Hawks star Tyler Cook was seen in animated discussion with officials, while 36ers guard Jason Cadee celebrated with fans, highlighting the emotional stakes of the game. The intensity was palpable, and the implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations couldn’t be clearer.

Recent Updates: What the Official Sources Are Saying

While official details from Kayo Sports and the Adelaide 36ers website are limited, the broader narrative is clear: this rivalry is alive and well.

• Adelaide 36ers’ Official Preview: In their pre-game article, the 36ers emphasized the importance of “home-court advantage” and “defensive discipline” against a Hawks team known for its physicality. The preview also hinted at “key adjustments” in the second half to counter Illawarra’s aggressive perimeter play—a strategy that ultimately paid off.

• NBL’s Coverage: The league’s official site, NBL.com.au, highlighted Sam Froling’s “masterclass” for the Hawks, despite the loss. The young big man posted a career-high 28 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Adelaide’s balanced attack. Meanwhile, the 36ers’ import duo of Dejan Vasiljevic and Kendric Davis combined for 42 points, showcasing their growing chemistry.

• Hawks’ Challenges: The NBL report also touched on Illawarra’s injury and visa issues, with Rob Beveridge forced to play a short-handed roster. “We’re battling through adversity,” Beveridge said post-game, “but we’ll come back stronger.”

These updates underscore the high-pressure environment surrounding this rivalry. Every possession matters, and every win carries playoff implications.

The Backstory: Why This Rivalry Matters

The Adelaide 36ers and Illawarra Hawks have been NBL staples for decades, but their rivalry has evolved into something special in recent years. Here’s why this matchup resonates so deeply with fans:

Historical Context

• The 36ers and Hawks first faced off in the 1980s, with Adelaide dominating early matchups. However, the Hawks—based in Wollongong, NSW—have long been a thorn in Adelaide’s side, known for their blue-collar grit and passionate fan base.
• The rivalry intensified in the 2020s, with both teams frequently battling for playoff spots. The Hawks’ 2022 NBL championship run and Adelaide’s rebuilding phase added layers of tension, as each team sought to assert dominance.

Cultural Significance

• For the Adelaide 36ers, this game is about redemption. After a rocky start to the 2024-25 season, sweeping the Hawks has re-energized their fan base and solidified their playoff credentials.
• For the Illawarra Hawks, it’s about pride. Wollongong is one of Australia’s smaller basketball markets, and beating Adelaide—a team with a larger budget and deeper roster—is a point of pride for the community.

Star Power

• The 36ers boast imports Kendric Davis and Dejan Vasiljevic, who bring NBA-level talent to the NBL. Meanwhile, the Hawks counter with Tyler Cook, Sam Froling, and Tyler Harvey—a trio that can light up any scoreboard.
• The clash between Davis (Adelaide’s floor general) and Harvey (Hawks’ sharpshooter) has become a must-watch subplot, with both players averaging over 18 points per game in their head-to-head matchups.

As NBL legend Shane Heal once said, “This isn’t just a game. It’s a battle for bragging rights in the NBL.”

Immediate Effects: What This Means for Both Teams

The 36ers’ sweep of the Hawks isn’t just a morale boost—it has real-world implications for both franchises.

For the Adelaide 36ers

• Playoff Positioning: With this win, the 36ers improved to 12-8, solidifying their place in the top four. They’re now in prime position to secure a home-court advantage in the playoffs.
• Momentum: The team’s ability to close out a close game against a tough opponent like the Hawks signals mental toughness—a crucial trait for postseason success.
• Fan Engagement: The Brett Maher Court (Adelaide’s home arena) has been packed for these matchups, with fans embracing the rivalry. This could lead to higher ticket sales and increased sponsorship interest.

For the Illawarra Hawks

• Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy: The Hawks’ loss drops them to 9-11, leaving them on the fringes of the top six. With key players like Kevin White sidelined due to visa issues, the road ahead looks tough.
• Coaching Pressure: Rob Beveridge, a respected figure in the NBL, is under scrutiny. As NBL Power Rankings noted, “The Hawks’ struggles raise questions about whether Beveridge can adapt to this new-look NBL.”
• Community Impact: For a smaller market like Wollongong, a losing season could affect local support and sponsorship deals, making every game a must-win.

What’s Next? The Future of the Rivalry

The 36ers-Hawks rivalry is far from over. Here’s what to watch for in the coming months:

1. The Return Fixture in Wollongong

The Hawks and 36ers are set to meet again in November 2025, this time in Wollongong. With the Hawks desperate to avoid a 0-4 season sweep, expect fireworks. As one Hawks fan told Illawarra Mercury, “We’re not letting them win four in a row. Not here.”

2. Playoff Implications

• If the 36ers maintain their form, they could earn a top-two finish, setting up a potential semi-final showdown with the Hawks—a rematch of their **2