Goorjian: “We’re not intimidated”

Sunday, December 22, 2024

"Let’s throw some punches and see where we sit against the best."

The Illawarra Hawks are the team to beat in NBL25, but Brian Goorjian says his team won’t be intimidated by their cross-state rivals in what looms as an epic Christmas night clash.

It’s the first placed Hawks against the second-placed Kings on Wednesday night, and for the pre-season championship favourites, it’s an almighty test.

Both teams are in form; Sydney has won four of its past five, Illawarra five of its past six, but there’s no doubt as to who’s set the standard for the rest of the competition this year.

“We’re certainly not intimidated and there is a respect there, so let’s throw some punches and see where we sit against the best,” Goorjian told News Corp.

“For us it is a real test playing against the No.1 team in the competition.”

The Kings have lost both games against the Hawks this year, both by seven-point margins, but it seems they’re finally finding their groove.

With six of its next seven games at Qudos Bank Arena and just two games off top spot, Sydney is primed for a late-season run.

For all the external criticism and doubt around what was dubbed one of the strongest rosters ever assembled in the pre-season, Goorjian’s team boasts a 61 per cent winning record and is just two wins off top spot.

“It will be a real test in every aspect – the rivalry, the position on the ladder, Christmas Day,” the legendary coach said of the challenge of taking on the Hawks.

Illawarra has scored 100-plus points in each of its last five games, with the likes of Trey Kell III, Tyler Harvey and Sam Froling dominating their opposition.

A huge Christmas night clash will be live on ESPN, 10 and 10 Play, this Wednesday night from 8.30pm AEDT.