Hawks End 24-Year NBL Title Drought, Beat United 114-104

The Illawarra Hawks celebrated their first NBL championship in 24 years with a decisive 114-104 victory over Melbourne United in game five of the finals. Young guard Will Hickey led the Hawks with an impressive performance, recording 21 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, playing a crucial role in overcoming an early 10-point deficit. Despite the Hawks' victory, point guard Matthew Dellavedova of Melbourne was awarded the Championship Series MVP, leading to a chorus of boos from the Hawks' fans. In a remarkable show of sportsmanship, Dellavedova presented his MVP trophy to Hickey, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Hawks' triumph. The moment was widely praised and highlighted the respect between the two players, even amid the competitive atmosphere. The Hawks' win marks a significant turnaround for the team, which had struggled in previous seasons.