The Keys To Winning: Game 2

It’s not an exaggeration to say that everything is on the line for the Illawarra Hawks in Game 2, as they try to wrestle back home court advantage.

After going into half-time up double digits in Game 1, the Hawks fell apart at the hand of a poised United squad who look to defend John Cain Arena and get one step closer to a Championship.

Looking ahead to this big game on Wednesday night, here are some key focus points for each team. 

Watch Melbourne v Illawarra, live on ESPN on Wednesday night from 7.30pm AEDT.

Get Trey Kell going
It’s no secret, this is the main focus for the Hawks ahead of a pivotal Game 2. The All-NBL First Team member averages almost 20 points per game in their wins and just 13.7 in losses.

No second shots
The Hawks have been the best rebounding team in the entire league this season (44.1 per game), yet they were comprehensively beaten on the glass in Game 1. They gave up 17 offensive rebounds to United, which led to 22 second chance points in the game.

“Stay in front of Ili and Dellavedova”
That was the quote from Justin Tatum following their Game 1 loss. With all the defensive attention on Chris Goulding and Ian Clark, the Hawks’ guards struggled to contain the backcourt from United, who had 31 points combined. Dellavedova relished the added freedom, by attempting a game high 17 field-goals.

Look after the ball
United have arguably the best defensive backcourt in the league, which should please Tatum that his team only turned the ball over five times in Game 1. That pressure won’t relinquish ahead of Wednesday Night’s showdown, which makes it vitally important that the Hawks’ guards continue to look after the ball and get a shot every possession.

Take what the defence gives you
With so much focus on Goulding and Clark, it created an abundance of space on the floor for United’s guards to exploit. If the Hawks decide to play those two straight up, rather than blanket them like they did in Game 1, then it will allow both star guards to get some more freedom and creation.

Bench sparks continue to be ready
He’s been an unsung hero of the post-season, but Tanner Krebs has been timely with his influence in big moments thus far. Yet again Krebs hit a big three in the first quarter which kept the lead under control, before United managed to take over in the second half.

Be disciplined
One of the major reasons as to why United are so strong defensively, is because they are physical with their chest and body. It’s something that Ili does extraordinarily well in being able to fight through screens and keep his hands out. That discipline will be tested in Game 2, because the Hawks will be ramping up the physicality.

Good for great
It’s a common phrase that you’ll hear around great basketball teams and it’s exactly what United demonstrated in the second half – giving up a good shot for a great shot. The perfect example of that is when the defence doubled Goulding, who passed to Dellavedova, who could have shot a floater but instead took a dribble and dished a lob to White for a dunk.