Hickey Goes Nuclear in NBL’s Biggest Game of the Season
The Illawarra Hawks have reasserted themselves as serious finals contenders with a commanding victory over the Cairns Taipans in Far North Queensland.
Hickey’s Breakout Performance
Will Hickey delivered a career-best performance, achieving his first-ever triple-double — also the first of the NBL26 season — in a dominant showing against the Taipans.
Hawks Regain Form
After a disappointing 2–6 start to the season, the reigning champions’ title defense under coach Justin Tatum had looked uncertain. However, a crucial victory over the previously unbeaten Melbourne United reignited their campaign. They followed it up confidently by dismantling a depleted Cairns squad on Friday night.
Taipans Undermanned but Resilient
Cairns coach Adam Forde fielded a makeshift starting lineup that included Lachlan Barker and Mojave King — players who had scarcely featured in scouting reports just days earlier.
“King, in particular, had his moments, showing flashes of brilliance despite limited experience.”
Forde’s creativity kept his side competitive through the first half, maintaining a one-possession gap until halftime.
Hawks Take Control
After the break, sparked either by a halftime rev-up from Tatum or key tactical tweaks, the Hawks surged ahead in the third quarter. By three-quarter time, they had built a double-digit lead and never looked back.
Author’s Summary
The Illawarra Hawks reestablished championship momentum as Will Hickey’s historic triple-double powered a decisive win over a short-handed Cairns Taipans squad.