JaVale McGee Powers Illawarra Hawks’ NBL Revival: Veteran Center Proves Unstoppable

JaVale McGee Powers Illawarra Hawks’ NBL Revival

JaVale McGee’s dominant display has reignited the Illawarra Hawks’ season in the NBL, highlighting his veteran leadership and versatility on the court, alongside a rising partnership with Davo Hickey.

Struggles Before the Revival

Just a few weeks ago, the Illawarra Hawks appeared lost in the NBL wilderness, carrying a 2-6 record that reflected a reigning champion struggling to find rhythm and form.

McGee’s Impact and Adaptation

The arrival of JaVale McGee, a three-time NBA champion, has transformed the team’s outlook, injecting hope and excitement. Initially met with curiosity and skepticism about whether the 37-year-old veteran, recently playing in Puerto Rico and with nearly 1,000 NBA games under his belt, could adapt to the fast-paced and unpredictable Australian league, McGee has proven himself emphatically.

Career-High Performances

In consecutive games against Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans, McGee delivered standout performances that challenged analysts and fans to rethink their expectations.

Against Melbourne United, McGee scored a career-high 37 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
He shot an efficient 13-of-21 from the field and an exceptional 10-of-11 from the free-throw line.

McGee played with "a mix of patience, aggression, and confidence that made him virtually unguardable." (NBL.com.au)

Summary

JaVale McGee’s resurgence and adaptability have injected new life into the Illawarra Hawks, making him a pivotal force in their NBL campaign.

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Azat TV — 2025-11-07