The superstar matchup key to Game 3

They’re two of the most clutch players in the league and the matchup between Tyler Harvey and Ian Clark could go a long way towards deciding the champions of NBL25.

After struggling in Game 1, Harvey responded in typical fashion. 24 points and the game-winning bucket levelled the series at 1-1, with the Hawks star stepping up when it mattered most, yet again. 

Three seconds earlier, Clark had knocked down three free throws to give his team the lead and continue a remarkable individual Finals campaign. 

After 38 points against Perth in the Playoff decider, he backed up eight days later with 31 in Game 2 of a Championship Series.

In many ways, Harvey and Clark are made for moments like these. And when Game 3 tips off at 5.30pm (AEDT) on Sunday, these two loom large. 

“I’m looking forward to Tyler Harvey. He’s got that monkey off his back, won the game,” Brad Rosen said. 

“This guy, coming into this game, the way he’s feeling, I’m juiced up for him.”

“I think Harvey now is on the inside front to be the Championship Series MVP,” Derek Rucker continued. 

“I think he just broke the seal in Game 2 and he hadn’t had any post-season success of that level until this game. Now I think he becomes super-dangerous.

“On the flipside, Clark is right there. He’s their (United’s) best offensive power right now. 

“That matchup is going to be critical in Game 3.”

While Harvey has made a knack of stepping up in the clutch moments, Clark’s form in the Finals has been nothing short of impressive. 

“Ian Clark’s averaging 23 and a half points game, up on 12 and a half in the season, his shooting clip is 57 (field goal)/48 (three-point)/76 (free throw),” Jack Heverin said. 

“Both Perth and Illawarra don’t appear to have a great matchup for him.”

“He’s (Clark) such a professional. He operates with an extreme amount of class,” Rucker continued. 

Asked whether Melbourne United should start Clark in the absence of Shea Ili, sidelined due to concussion, Rosen quickly shut down the idea.  

“You’re (Clark) just too damn good the way you’re doing it now. I’m not rocking that boat.”

Two of the best in the business go at it in Game 3 on Sunday night, and you simply don’t want to miss it.

Watch live on ESPN, 10 Bold and 10 Play, with tip-off from 5.30pm AEDT.