Australian basketball stalwart Matthew Dellavedova faced a poignant loss in the NBL finals, yet he showcased remarkable grace in the aftermath. The Illawarra Hawks achieved a momentous victory, ending a lengthy 24-year title drought with a decisive 114-104 win over Melbourne United. The victory was especially meaningful as it coincided with the presence of players from the Hawks’ 2000/2001 championship team, who were there to witness the celebrations.
After the final buzzer, Dellavedova, named the series MVP, acknowledged the crowd’s discontent, which erupted in boos upon the announcement. Understanding the sentiment that many felt a Hawks player deserved the accolade, the 34-year-old point guard humbly redirected the honour to Illawarra’s point guard, Will Hickey, exclaiming, “This really belongs to you.” The gesture prompted heartfelt applause from the crowd, creating a memorable moment as the two players embraced.
This season marked the second title in the Hawks’ history, while it meant a bitter repeat of defeat for Melbourne in consecutive finals series. Early in the contest, United raced to a 10-point lead, but the Hawks rallied to equalise at 26 by the end of the first quarter. A powerful offensive run saw the Hawks, driven by Hickey, Tyler Harvey, and Trey Kell III, forge ahead in the second quarter. United’s challenges deepened when centre Marcus Lee left the game with what appeared to be a serious shoulder injury, worsening their already precarious position.
Despite their struggles, the Hawks’ supporters revelled in the victory, which marked a significant turnaround from the previous season when the team finished at the bottom of the ladder. Hickey encapsulated the team’s journey, expressing immense pride in their resilient performance and the emotional significance of the win.
“We were down, we were out. It’s the grit that we showed,” Hickey reflected, overcome with emotion as he shared with fans and teammates. For both players and supporters alike, the night was unforgettable—marking not only a championship win but also a triumphant resurgence for a club long yearning for success.