Illawarra’s ball movement and work around the basket are the key to this matchup. The Hawks showed a more connected performance against Adelaide, with their guards creating chances for Sam Froling and the outside shooters. That approach meets a Phoenix team still trying to turn extra shot attempts into points and finish possessions at the defensive end.
Illawarra recorded 33 assists against Adelaide, with Froling contributing 19 points. Milton Doyle, Tyler Harvey and Davo Hickey each had seven assists, giving the attack several players who could find the next pass. The defensive effort also improved, with Bryce Cotton held to just four shot attempts. [The league’s account](https://www.nbl.com.au/news/tatum-belief-rewarded-hawks-silence-critics) describes the preparation and coordinated effort behind that performance.
Phoenix collected 17 offensive rebounds in Perth and took 14 more shots than the Wildcats, yet finished with 12 makes from 45 three-point attempts. Against Melbourne United, it also created extra attempts but made only four of 41 from outside. Those games show why the battle matters: Phoenix wants repeated looks from the perimeter, while Illawarra’s job is to contest them and secure the rebound. Josh King has also identified defensive stops and defensive rebounding as areas his team needs to improve. [His comments](https://www.nbl.com.au/news/defence-not-shooting-the-phoenix-focus) make Froling’s presence and the Hawks’ passing particularly relevant here.
