Force multipliers: McGee, Hickey bruise United

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Balance has returned to the Force – it's not just how the Illawarra Hawks delivered a wire-to-wire 107-93 win against Melbourne United it's the fact the defending champions have their barometer back, signed an aggressive backcourt guard, and ... JaVale McGee.

William "Davo" Hickey changes the dynamic for the Hawks, new import QJ Peterson gives All-NBL First Team star Tyler Harvey the freedom to create, and McGee getting touches anywhere inside 10-feet is almost unstoppable.

McGee, 37, delivered a career night with 37 points, 14 rebounds, two steals, a block and assist in just 31 minutes.

"I was just trying to be aggressive," McGee said.

"That’s one thing I struggle with sometimes – staying consistent on the aggressive end.

"I get a little too unselfish, where I’m by the rim and try to pass it.

"But my teammates were really pushing the pace today.

"I think that’s what really helped. I was down the floor, they were throwing it ahead – it was a big team effort tonight."

Less than a week ago, Tatum apologised for his team getting destroyed by 42 by the New Zealand Breakers. In the first game of Round 8, Tatum talked about mental toughness in their response.

"The mentality," he said.

"The mentality from the beginning – the passion, the desire to really want to go out there and play well and win the game.

"The guys were locked in. Everybody was locked in on the KYPs and just wanted to find a way to play well at home.

"The determination the guys came out with today – that’s what stood out to me the most."

The Hawks moved off the bottom of the ladder and are 3-6 while United have dropped two straight after starting the season 9-0.

"JaVale’s a tough guard out there," Tatum added.

"(Jesse) Edwards is a really good, solid defender, and for JaVale to be aggressive and do the things he did, it opens up everything for everybody else.

"The more aggressive he is – getting shots up, seeing his teammates – the better we are.

"Melbourne tried to go one-on-one, doubled here and there, but as long as he’s aggressive, it’s good for us."

McGee had Edwards in foul trouble early and kept him there. Edwards played just 18 minutes and McGee took advantage, out-sizing and out-muscling the United front court. McGee's 37 came on 13-from-21 from the field.

Tatum said Hickey was the Hawks glue-guy.

"It feels like since Davo came back, we’ve been developing chemistry and finding balance," he said.

"He didn’t play the first six games. Every game he’s played, we’ve had different energy, a different pace, a different respect for that position.

"I just feel like teams can’t guard him and JaVale – especially on our screen-rolls.

"If you’re worried about me on the roll, he’s got a wide-open layup. He can pass and throw the lob – it’s a dangerous duo.

"With our shooters around it, it’s even more dangerous."

Illawarra has Cairns on Friday night and United arch rival South East Melbourne Phoenix on Saturday and undoubtedly, basketball.com.au's Power Rankings have already been blown up just one game into Round 8.

JaVale McGee – Box Score

‍Minutes: 31:26 │ Points: 37 │ FG: 13-21 (61.9%) │ 3PT: 1-1 (100%) │ FT: 10-11 (90.9%) │ Rebounds: 14 (5 OR / 9 DR) │ Assists: 1 │ Turnovers: 3 │ Steals: 2 │ Blocks: 1 │ Breaks: 1 │ Fouls: 4 │ Fouled Drawn: 9 │ Plus/Minus: +16 │ Efficiency: 43

Key Details

• Result: Illawarra Hawks 107 def. Melbourne United 93
• When: 5th November 2025
• Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
• Standings

By the Numbers

• JaVale McGee (Illawarra Hawks) starred with 37 points, 14 rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block in 31 minutes.
• Jesse Edwards (Melbourne United) scored 19 points, had six rebounds, one steal, and two blocks in 18 minutes.

What Happened

The Hawks established control early, jumping to a 32-22 lead in the first quarter and extending it to 57-43 by halftime. Their dominance continued throughout the contest, never relinquishing the lead while maintaining a double-digit advantage for most of the game.

JaVale McGee was exceptional for the Hawks, shooting an efficient 13-from-21 from the field while dominating the glass with 14 rebounds. His 37-point performance included a perfect 1-from-1 from three-point range and an outstanding 10-from-11 from the free-throw line.

Tyler Harvey and William "Davo" Hickey provided solid support for Illawarra, contributing 17 and 18 points respectively. Hickey added seven rebounds and seven assists, showcasing his all-round ability as the Hawks controlled the tempo throughout.

For Melbourne United, Finn Delany led the scoring with 21 points on 9-from-13 shooting, while Jesse Edwards was perfect from the field with 8-from-8 for 19 points. Milton Doyle dished out 11 assists but struggled from beyond the arc, going 0-from-3 as United shot a dismal 21.2% (7-from-33) from three-point range compared to Illawarra's stellar 54.5% (12-from-22).

The Hawks' superiority on the boards was evident, out-rebounding United 50-37, including 13 offensive rebounds that led to valuable second-chance points. Illawarra also shot significantly better from the free-throw line, connecting on 25-from-27 attempts (92.6%) while Melbourne struggled with just 8-from-14 (57.1%).