The Brisbane Bullets ignited the Brisbane Entertainment Centre with a strong start, but their momentum fizzled as the league-leading Illawarra Hawks surged to a commanding 102-84 victory on Friday night.
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Casey Prather delivered an outstanding performance for Brisbane, scoring 28 points and spearheading an early push that saw the Bullets take control of the game. The home side responded to an early 8-0 Hawks run with their best opening quarter of the season, racking up 34 points while shooting at an impressive 57% to lead by five at the first break.
Brisbane extended their lead into the second quarter, reaching double digits thanks to the combined efforts of Prather and Isaac White. However, Illawarra gradually chipped away, reducing the deficit to just two points at halftime, 50-48.
Bullets vs Hawks turns on a 14-0 Illawarra run
The game’s turning point came midway through the third quarter. Leading 61-55, Brisbane struggled to contain a Hawks side that shifted gears, unleashing a 14-0 run that transformed their six-point deficit into a decisive lead. Illawarra’s defensive intensity stifled the Bullets’ offence, while the Hawks capitalised on turnovers to seize control of the contest.
Josh Bannan was a bright spot for the Bullets, contributing 17 points, while White added 10 points in his second career start. However, the absence of flamethrower guard James Batemon was keenly felt, particularly in the second half, where Brisbane managed just 34 points.
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The loss leaves Brisbane with a 9-9 record, but there is little time to reflect as the Bullets travel to Hobart for a Sunday afternoon clash with the Tasmania JackJumpers, who are riding a seven-game winning streak. Addressing second-half execution and improving ball security will be key as the team looks to stay in the playoff race.
For now, the focus remains on regrouping and bouncing back from this setback, with every game becoming crucial in the push for postseason success.
Published 27-December-2024
Match preview published on 25-December-2024 and updated on 26-December 2024.
Bullets vs Hawks: Red-Hot Brisbane Collide with League-Leading Hawks
The Brisbane Bullets return home on Friday, 26 December, riding a hot streak to face the league-leading Illawarra Hawks in what promises to be a high-scoring showdown between two of the NBL’s most explosive teams. Bullets vs Hawks tip off 6:30 p.m. at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
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Bullets’ depth shines despite injury setbacks
After a decisive 111–90 win over the Adelaide 36ers on Christmas Eve, the Bullets have surged above .500 for the first time this season, boasting a 9–8 record. Winning five of their past six games, they have consistently lit up the scoreboard—an impressive feat given the challenges they’ve faced.
The loss of James Batemon to a season-ending hamstring injury adds to an already significant injury list, which includes Jarred Bairstow and Deng Adel. However, the team’s depth has been a beacon of resilience.
Isaac White’s breakout performance against Adelaide exemplifies the Bullets’ next-man-up mentality. In his first start across 127 NBL games, White delivered a career-high 22 points, including a blistering 18-point burst in the opening quarters. Meanwhile, Casey Prather continues his stellar form, contributing 36 points in Adelaide to lead the Bullets to another blowout win.
Bullets vs Hawks
Friday’s matchup is a crucial test against an Illawarra Hawks side that sits atop the NBL standings with a 12–5 record. The Hawks arrive in Brisbane riding their own four-game winning streak, most recently edging out the Sydney Kings 111–108 on Christmas night.
Both teams’ offences are firing on all cylinders. The Hawks have surpassed the 100-point mark in each of their last six games, while the Bullets have achieved this milestone in all their recent victories.
The transformation of the Bullets’ playing style has been a key factor in their resurgence. Prather’s successful adaptation to the power forward role has created mismatches that opponents have struggled to contain.
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Friday’s clash represents more than just another regular-season matchup. For the Bullets, it’s an opportunity to cement their status as genuine contenders in the NBL’s tightly contested race.
