The Keys To Winning: Game 4

The last time the Hawks travelled to Melbourne, it seemed as though the championship was at play, with the thought of going down 0-2 being too hard to overcome. Thankfully for Illawarra fans, some Tyler Harvey brilliance helped secure that win and keep the series alive.

But after claiming a huge win in enemy territory, United is now in the box seat to lift the trophy again. 

Can the Hawks keep the series alive? Or will Melbourne celebrate in front of a sold-out John Cain Arena?

Watch Game 4 live on ESPN, 10 Bold and 10 Play this Wednesday night from 7.30pm AEDT.

Fix fourth quarters
The Hawks have lost all six of their fourth quarters in the post-season, many of which came when they held a lead to begin the final 10 minutes. If they get back to that same position in Game 4, they simply must find a way to control the game late and get the win.

Push the tempo
The Hawks have been the best offensive team in the league all season long. A large portion of their offensive scores come in transition, where they have been well held by United in this series. In Game 4 they had just two fast break points for the entire game.

Pick your poison
This is a tough game plan for Justin Tatum when it comes to their defensive scout. Wani Swaka Lo Buluk has been tremendous in his individual battle with Chris Goulding, but it’s come at a cost to the team’s defensive structure. Other players like Matthew Dellavedova have been extra aggressive and the Hawks haven’t been able to respond.

Second chance shots
One way that the Hawks can drive both energy and offense is to crash the offensive rebounds. They were the best rebounding team all season, so by putting extra effort into those second chance opportunities, it should help them tick the scoreboard over. 

Take what the defence gives you
This was the same key for Game 2, but it becomes more important in this potential clinching game. If the Hawks want to continue to blanket Goulding’s effect, then the other guards need to keep being aggressive. If they loosen up in Goulding a little, then it could be set up for one of his big moments. 

Be disciplined in the paint
One reason as to why United have managed to get big stops in key moments is that their bigs are playing vertical and not fouling under the basket. Rather than trying to block every shot, Marcus Lee, Jack White and Rob Loe have done a tremendous job of just walling up and making the Hawks have to finish over them.

Stay aggressive Jack White
Jack White came out in Game 4 and knocked down his first shot of the game and then continued to be aggressive throughout. He finished with a game-high 20 points and was back to his dominant best. United are a completely different team when he’s playing with that mindset and that will be crucial in Game 4.

Make their guards work
Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell III have had an up and down post-season, but Dean Vickerman knows how potent they can be offensively. United has done a terrific job of making them have to work hard for every open look and while that won’t change in Game 4, it’s important that United stay the course. The Hawks’ All-NBL guards are due to hit some tough shots.