Tatum praises unsung Hawks “MVP”

Illawarra coach Justin Tatum has praised the work of Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, who helped shut down Sydney Kings star Jaylen Adams in the Hawks’ 96-89 win on Sunday. 

Swaka Lo Buluk scored 16 points in 19 minutes, but it was his defensive intensity to limit Adams to nine points that helped push the Hawks to their third win of the season. Adams hit just two field goals from 12 attempts and had six turnovers.

“Swak was the MVP today,” Tatum said post-game.

“JA (Jaylen Adams) is an unbelievable player and he’s so tough to guard. He’s been playing really well early in this season, so with what Swak did and the way he was able to score on the other end… he’s one of the top two ‘3 and D’ players in this league.

“His job is to disrupt the best player on the other team, but I don’t want his offence to be overshadowed by his defence. 

“Wani is one of our top three practice players every day. He’s efficient with the way he scores the ball, and when I talk to him I tell him if he doesn’t shoot it, I’m going to sit you.”

Illawarra got off to a quick start, taking a 27-15 lead into quarter time, and Tatum revealed that was a key focus heading into the contest. 

“We had the start that we expected,” Tatum said. 

“We had to come out there and punch first. Because the last two games, Sydney came and punched Adelaide and then Perth, so we didn’t want to be on that side of it. 

“We just didn’t want to get in a hole. We wanted to make sure we set the tone and whatever happens after that, we can be able to dictate it.” 

The Hawks will look to continue their perfect start on Saturday night when they host the Adelaide 36ers at 5:30pm AEST live on ESPN.