Star import JaVale McGee played a pivotal role in securing a crucial victory for the Illawarra Hawks, defeating the Perth Wildcats 85-84 on March 9, 2024. The three-time NBA champion showcased his skills in the final minute, delivering four critical plays that silenced the home crowd in Perth, following the Hawks’ disappointing 40-point loss in their previous match.
McGee, standing at 213 cm, finished the game with impressive statistics, including 24 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. His performance was instrumental in overcoming the Wildcats, particularly as he battled against their big man, Jo Lual-Acuil, who recorded 18 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks before fouling out with four minutes remaining.
In a closely contested match that featured 20 lead changes, McGee’s determination shone through during the game’s final moments. With just over a minute left, he put the Hawks ahead before hitting a challenging floater to extend the lead to one point. Teammate Tyler Harvey contributed to the scoreline with crucial free throws, ensuring a three-point advantage with only four seconds remaining.
The Wildcats, under the guidance of coach John Rillie, executed a well-planned final play. Elijah Pepper was left open for a three-pointer on the in-bound pass, which he successfully made, seemingly sending the game into overtime. However, the drama escalated when Kristian Doolittle was fouled while trying to secure a pass, resulting in a free throw opportunity for McGee with only 1.2 seconds left on the clock.
Despite the pressure, McGee missed his first free throw but composed himself to sink the second, sealing a dramatic win for the Hawks. He expressed relief and satisfaction after the game, stating, “That felt good. Perth put up a hell of a fight; fans going crazy, everyone’s against us. That was definitely a crucial win. We came in with a mindset that we can’t lose any more games, and it showed.”
While McGee shone as the game’s standout player, Harvey also made significant contributions with 24 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. The win improved the Hawks’ record to 2-4 for the season.
For the Wildcats, despite strong performances from players like Ben Henshall, who scored 17 points, the team struggled with their shooting, managing only 15 percent from three-point range (five of 32 attempts). The Wildcats are now 4-4 for the season and are awaiting the arrival of new import David Duke Jr, who has been signed as a replacement for the recently released Mason Jones.
This exciting matchup showcased the competitiveness of the National Basketball League (NBL) and highlighted the talent on display as teams strive for success in the ongoing season.
