Illawarra Hawks Secure Historic 2025 NBL Championship
The Hawks clinched their first title in 24 years with a 114-104 Game 5 victory over Melbourne United, completing a dramatic rise from last place two seasons ago.
- The Illawarra Hawks defeated Melbourne United 114-104 in the decisive fifth game of the NBL championship series in Wollongong, Australia.
- This marks the Hawks' first championship since 2001 and only the second in their 47-year history as an NBL foundation club.
- Will Hickey and Trey Kell delivered standout performances, combining for 47 points, 21 rebounds, and 15 assists in the final game.
- Melbourne United suffered their second consecutive Game 5 championship loss, following last year's defeat to the Tasmania JackJumpers.
- Matthew Dellavedova, named series MVP, handed his trophy to Will Hickey in recognition of Hickey's pivotal contributions, sparking discussions about the MVP voting system.