DREWITT’S BULBS MATCH PREVIEW: Phoenix look to keep finals alive in Game 2 at home

Key Details

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX v. ILLAWARRA HAWKS
Where: The Fire Pit, John Cain Arena
When: Sunday, March 2 at 2:30pm AEDT
Watch: ESPN | 10 & 10 Play

Tickets selling fast for Phoenix's home Semi-Final game on March 2 at John Cain Arena. CLICK HERE to secure your seat.

After a hot start in Game 1 against the Illawarra Hawks on Friday night in Wollongong, the Hawks took the first game by seven points.

Point guard Derrick Walton Jr returned to the team and went straight into the starting five in an impressive double-double return with 15 points and 11 assists.

The Hawks came out in the second half piling on 32-12 and taking the win.

Josh King’s side will return to the Fire Pit to a sea of green to keep their finals chances alive and push the Playoff to game 3 decider.

TEAMS

Phoenix

The Phoenix will go in unchanged.

Hawks

The Hawks will also go in unchanged.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Derrick Walton Jr Prowess

In his return from a hamstring injury, not playing since round 16, Derrick Walton Jr returned in Game 1 of the Playoffs in record time, and straight back into starting five in his 50^th NBL game. The import point guard created the artistry from the one position creating opportunity for his team with a double-double 15 points and 11 assists.

He's baaaack! 🔥

Derrick Walton Jr is COOKING in his return, taking over in the final minute to extend the Phoenix lead at the half!

Don't miss the #NBL Playoffs LIVE on ESPN! 📺 pic.twitter.com/rxa3Jak7oT

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) February 28, 2025

HISTORY

Finals Season Head-to-Head
Phoenix 0-1 Hawks

Last time out – Playoffs Game 1, NBL25
Phoenix 101-94 Hawks

Phoenix
Wieskamp 22p
Sobey 17p
Walton Jr 15p

Hawks
Kell 24p
Harvey 24p
Blanchfield 16p

GAME DAY HUB

Get all your finals and game day information for Sunday via our Finals Hub. CLICK HERE or the image below.