How to watch & talking points: Illawarra v Brisbane (Round 4, NBL26)

Saturday, October 4, 2025

illawarra hawks

brisbane bullets

A must-see match-up between two of the NBL's premier big man, JaVale McGee and Tyrell Harrison.

Illawarra Hawks v Brisbane Bullets
Saturday, October 11, 5.30pm AEDT
WIN Entertainment Centre

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Talking points

Hawks on the wrong side of history

‍TheHawks went over to New Zealand on Wednesday expecting to get their season back on track.

However, the reigning champs slumped to their third straight loss and the biggest margin of defeat under Justin Tatum.

While they look for answers onthe court, they face a Brisbane team that’s also hungry to end a three-gamelosing streak.

Jaylen's time to shine

‍The Bullets announced that star guard Javon Freeman-Liberty was departing the club, which puts more responsibility on former MVP Jaylen Adams to lead from the front.

With Sam McDaniel and Mitch Norton out injured, Stu Lash will be hoping their star guard steps up in a big way.

What they're saying

Illawarra coach Justin Tatum on the treatment of his star centre JaVale McGee:

"We've got a 16-year NBA veteran on our team who's been getting fouled on the floor, tripped up and checked at half-court. We've got to fight through a lot of adversity on that one," Tatum said in Wednesday's post-game media conference.

"I'm not sure he's enjoying it, but he's a professional and he's going to keep fighting through it.

"He could be an advocate for the league, but I'm not sure he's going to do that if the league misinterpret or does not understand how to ref a guy his size.

"I gotta protect my players because the league does not.

"I don't think the league deserves him being here."

Javon Freemon-Liberty on his mutual departing from the Bullets:

“I enjoyed my time in Brisbane. I will always appreciate the support I have had here and I will be cheering the Bullets on from afar.”