Why Wani could be the difference

Chris Goulding is a game-winner, we all know that. He’s got a way of destroying the opposition in the space of a few minutes, with his three-point shooting the envy of the very best the NBL has seen. 

That’s why Wani Swaka Lo Buluk’s role can’t be understated. The Hawks’ defender has the job of stopping a superstar, and so far this Championship Series, he’s done it with aplomb. 

Goulding has made an impact, of course, like his 11-point final quarter in Game 1, but he hasn’t had that breakout performance just yet, like he did twice against Perth in the Playoffs. 

“He is a fascinating watch defensively,” Peter Hooley said of Swaka Lo Buluk.

“Every time Chris Goulding sets up for a downstream, Wani gets behind him, refuses to get screened and then he’s got the length and athleticism to arrive on the catch. 

“He’s had a couple of moments where he got his hand in the cookie jar today (Wednesday) off the ball, but overall he’s been fantastic all season long.

“He’s one of the best defenders in the league, but he’s standing up in the big moment and we haven’t seen that game from Chris Goulding like we saw against Perth.”

“Wani’s been around. He’s had experience,” Lanard Copeland added.

“He’s won championships in Perth, he’s won in Sydney, so he knows what he’s doing. 

“He’s a fiery sort of guy and he takes it personally. He’s done a great job this season.”

Swaka Lo Buluk has held Goulding to around 16 points a game so far in the Series. That’s a big win for the Hawks. 

But perhaps Goulding sent a reminder to the Hawks not to get too far ahead of themselves on Wednesday night, with 16 second half points, when most of his team could barely hit a shot. 

Will that set the scene for Goulding to return to his very best in Game 5? Swaka Lo Buluk will be doing everything in his power to ensure that’s not the case.