‘Hate each other’s guts’: Inside the NBL rivalry that ignited over ‘illegal tactics’ on ex-NBA star

The Illawarra Hawks and Sydney Kings share a rivalry unlike almost anything else in the NBL.

Ahead of the latest instalment of the “Battle of the Bridge,” Damon Lowery, Brad Rosen and Lanard Copeland spoke exclusively with Fox Sports as both teams look to extend their respective winning streaks.

Lowery – a former Hawks Championship player and now NBL media personality – didn’t hold back, stating, “these teams hate each other’s guts.”

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Tensions between the clubs were already simmering after a private pre-season scrimmage where Illawarra accused Sydney of using illegal tactics to defend JaVale McGee.

That accusation prompted Sydney Kings assistant coach Andrew Bogut to fire back on social media, saying, “If there was a tad bit of journalistic research you would have found you have a Sydney Kings player who is playing for an NBL contract (and playing with 110% effort) and trying to make a roster, playing against a guy who was clearly tired.”

When asked whether that incident adds heat to this matchup, Rosen didn’t hesitate: “Any time these two teams play against each other there are sparks. The incident earlier in the year only adds to the drama. Bring on tip-off.”

Copeland echoed that sentiment bluntly: “These two teams hate each other. Kings think they’re the best team in NSW, but the Hawks think otherwise.”

MATCHUPS EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK

This clash is stacked with compelling head-to-head battles. McGee’s showdown with Xavier Cooks and Tim Soares headlines the frontcourt duel, while the unofficial Grand Final MVP Will Hickey takes on the official winner Mathew Dellavedova. Tyler Harvey versus Kendric Davis adds another layer of offensive firepower.

Asked which matchup matters most, Lowery didn’t hesitate:

“Pit Bul Kuol v Tyler Harvey. Bul’s in my all defensive team and he’s gonna try and maul Harvey.”

Copeland identified two equally decisive battles:

“Key match-ups will be KD vs Dave Hickey …. Both guys will need to score and assist if their teams are to get a win.

Also JaVale McGee vs Xavier Cooks. Cooks has found his feet, they’ve put the ball in his hands more and he’s responded.”

This game won’t solely be determined by the stars though. Both teams possess genuine depth and complementary pieces. Sydney’s Jaylin Galloway, Kouat Noi and Bul Kuol have all played impactful minutes, while Illawarra’s rotation of Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, Mason Peatling and Todd Blanchfield gives Justin Tatum plenty of versatility.

Copeland singled out one King in particular:

“The one player who can change this game is Kouat Noi, we all know he shoots the 3-ball better than most… seems to have found his eye.”

Rosen also highlighted the tactical battle:

“I think the Kings can play a bit of small ball which potentially causes a miss match Problem for the Hawks, but on the other end the pick and roll can be so destroying for the Hawks.

I’m sure the Kings will have some plans to double so it is a key that the Hawks shoot the ball well.”

CAN THE KINGS SLOW DOWN JAVALE MCGEE?

McGee has been one of the NBL’s most dominant players this season, averaging 23.1 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks on 62%. Lowery believes one factor is critical:

“it’s vitally important that Tim Soares stays out of foul trouble and plays at least 28 min.”

Copeland added:

“McGee has the size on most teams, he’s been a dominant force all year. Kings will struggle to guard him.”

On the other side, Kendric Davis continues to evolve as a scorer, averaging 23.1 points to go with 4.1 assists and 4.2 rebounds. With his usage shifting, he has become even harder to contain.

Lowery expects Illawarra to challenge him with a different look:

“Wani Swaka Lo Boluk will likely get the KD assignment, if he can contain that plutonic dude, it’ll go a long way.”

Justin Tatum is 6-0 against the Kings since taking over at Illawarra. Combined with the pre-season tensions and the Hawks’ recent surge, the WIN Entertainment Centre is set to explode for their first meeting of the season.

KEYS TO THE GAME

For Illawarra, everything once again revolves around their new dynamic duo – Hickey and McGee. Since returning, Hickey has reshaped the Hawks’ offence into a more controlled, tempo-based attack. His chemistry with McGee in the pick-and-roll has unlocked easier looks and moved the Hawks away from static post-ups.

Defensively, limiting Sydney’s three-point attempts and slowing their transition game will be essential. The latter could be a challenge for McGee, who at times has struggled with up-tempo opponents.

For Sydney, allowing their stars to play freely is key. Cooks has rediscovered his rhythm with more playmaking responsibility, driving their recent three-game win streak. Davis’ shift toward primary scorer has also paid dividends, and his confidence continues to grow.

Turnovers will be a major factor. The Hawks are the worst in the league at 14.2 per game, while the Kings are the best at just 8.1. If Illawarra coughs it up early, Sydney will punish them.

Rebounding shapes as another deciding metric. The Hawks sit second in the league, the Kings sixth, but both are strong on both ends. The team that controls the glass will likely control the tempo.

Finally, three-point shooting – the teams rank fourth and fifth in percentage – will matter. The side that generates cleaner looks from deep should gain the upper hand.

PICKS BY THE EXPERTS

With Sydney on a three-game winning streak and Illawarra on two straight, this matchup is as difficult to pick as any this season.

Brad Rosen:

“Tatum has never lost to Goorj so very difficult but I just think that defence from the Kings will be the difference and they will get the win.”

Damon Lowery:

“Hawks win, Tatum is 6-0 against the Kings. It should be a high scoring affair and a close result. Hawks by 5.”

Lanard Copeland:

“this game is in Illawarra, but the Kings will have plenty of fans there. My edge is to the Hawks as they look much better with Hickey and Peterson both playing great.”

What’s certain is this: it’s the must-watch game of Round 9.

Tip-off: 2:30PM AEDT Sunday 16 November at WIN Entertainment Centre.