"Selfless" Hawks targeting Finals run

Illawarra’s rivalry win over the Sydney Kings on Sunday has seen the Hawks take one step closer to an NBL24 Finals berth, but just earning a spot in the top six is not enough for star Illawarra forward Gary Clark.

Much of the Hawks’ incredible on-court resurgence this season has come behind their former NBA superstar. The potential All-NBL First Team member once again starred against the Kings, and was named Foot Locker Player of the Game for his team-high 22 points, six rebounds and five assists.

“I don’t really keep up with a lot of things when it comes to what’s posted and how the standings are. At the end of the day I think our group is just a hungry group, and every time we do watch it we’re not mentioned, so that just gives us more fire,” Clark said post-game.

“There’s no relief to be in, we’re still trying to win games and get statement wins. Just to get in is, what, to say we made it in? We’re still trying to win this thing out and get the momentum we need in the post-season to allow a lot of noise.

“Being in is kind of irrelevant, it’s about building these wins to get going post-season.”

Nine players were on the floor for 15 minutes or more for the Hawks, but Clark was the only one to play more than 26 minutes.

Will Hickey played one of the best games of his career in the victory with 11 points and four rebounds, while Justin Robinson returned to his role off the bench after he started against the Breakers earlier in the round.

Clark praised his side’s ability to be selfless, and the mentality that any given player could step up on any given night.

“I think we all realised we had an opportunity to really change a lot of our careers. A lot of guys haven’t been in a situation like what we’re going through right now, and it was really eye-opening got people individually to be like ‘we can do something special here, and everyone can be a part of it’,” Clark continued.

“Biwali Bayles didn’t play a lot tonight but he’s been a part of this journey so far. I think everyone’s trust and excitement in that has kept everyone locked in, because on any night it can be anyone who steps up to the plate.

“That’s one thing at Illawarra we pride ourselves on, the way the club recruited each guy in being such selfless, good guys, anybody can have a good night and I think the you could see the spots and pieces throughout those struggle days.

“We put this together, and if we could get it figured out we’d be in a really good spot. Sure enough as time went along, you all are seeing the product of that patience and how good we can be with everyone stepping up to the plate and doing their job.”

The Hawks’ season will continue on Thursday night when they host the Perth Wildcats, live on ESPN via Kayo from 7:30pm AEDT.