Hawks thump Wildcats to lock in NBL Finals spot

The stunning turnaround of the Illawarra Hawks under Justin Tatum is complete, with them guaranteed of making the NBL Finals after beating the second-placed Perth Wildcats 108-92.

The Hawks had already beaten the Wildcats twice this season, including doing a standout defensive job on Bryce Cotton, who is a lock for a fourth NBL MVP award this Monday.

Cotton had a much bigger impact at WIN Entertainment Centre on Thursday night, but the Wildcats could do little to curtail the energy the Hawks were playing with.

It turned into a horror night for Perth, who couldn’t be moved from second position coming into the last round.

They lost import forward Kristian Doolittle to a shoulder injury after being blindsided from a backcourt screen from Hawks centre Sam Froling.

Despite an injury scare, Bryce Cotton top-scored for the Perth Wildcats with 20 points. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

There was even a scare late in the game for Cotton, after he took a knock to his knee, but to their relief he appeared fine soon after.

It was a night of celebration for the Hawks as they improved to a 12-6 record since Tatum was installed as coach to replace Jacob Jackomas.

Illawarra were 2-7 and appeared destined for a second straight wooden spoon. Now they are guaranteed of finishing in the top six, probably in fourth position.

They can guarantee fourth place by beating Melbourne United on Sunday.

Even if they lose, the New Zealand Breakers need to beat both Brisbane and Adelaide to knock them to fifth.

The energy of Illawarra was instrumental in the eventual 16-point win, highlighted by them collecting 57 rebounds to 35, including 20 at the offensive end for 24 second-chance points.

They then did well getting to the foul line 35 times, even if they only made 21.

Gary Clark continued his outstanding form for the Hawks that has him right in the hunt for the All-First Team. He finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds.

He had plenty of help too, with Tyler Harvey finishing with 16 points, Froling 16 points and five rebounds, Justin Robinson 11 points and five assists, and Davo Hickey 10 points.

It was a night to forget for Perth, with Cotton top-scoring with 20 points, Hyrum Harris adding 15, Jordan Usher 12, Alex Sarr 11 and Keanu Pinder 10.