The Keys To Winning: Game 5

Game 5. The series decider. Will the Hawks break a 24-year drought to bring another championship to the 'Gong? Or can United spoil the party in enemy territory?

Every game so far during the Championship Series has been won by the away team. Who will be victorious on Sunday?

Pete Hooley looks at the key talking points. 

Watch Game 5 live on ESPN, 10 and 10 Play from 2.30pm AEDT this Sunday.

Control the tempo
One thing that stood out in the fourth quarter of Game 4 was that the Hawks picked their aggressive moments perfectly. Unlike the earlier games of the series, it was evident that they focused on getting the best shot possible in the clutch moments and it led to a win.

Remain aggressive inside
With no Sam Froling, it’s up to Lachie Olbrich and Darius Days to pick up where they left off in Game 4. The backup big duo was aggressive all game, putting heat on the rim and drawing fouls.

Continue the defensive pressure
It was evident in Game 4 that Justin Tatum had instructed his team to pick up the full court pressure. What that meant was that Matthew Dellavedova, in particular, was not allowed his usual time to set up the offence and dictate things at his pace. It proved to be a key reason as to why the Hawks were able to slow down United’s key playmaker.

Get Goulding going
Chris Goulding has had his moments throughout the first four games, but he is yet to put on a clinic that fans are used to seeing in big moments. Wani Swaka-Lo-Buluk has done a tremendous job of making it tough for Goulding, which means Dean Vickerman will have to find a way to make it easier for his superstar shot-maker in Game 5.

Control the paint
With Sam Froling out, the Hawks lose a significant inside presence for this important game. United don’t have bigs who demand the ball on the low block, but they have an advantage size wise if they can utilise it. That size isn’t just beneficial on the offensive end, with Marcus Lee and Rob Loe important to their defensive success.

Stay aggressive Jack White
One of the stories of this series has been the play of Jack White, who when he is aggressive, has led United to victory. However, if he’s not putting points on the board, then Melbourne seems to struggle, as the Hawks just clog up the paint.