THE CHAMPIONSHIP Series is set for season 2024/25 of the National Basketball League (NBL), after the Illawarra Hawks delivered a masterclass performance to eliminate the SEM Phoenix and advance to the decider.

The series went to a decisive game three after both sides claimed wins at home throughout the semi-finals. Although the Hawks finished the season in top spot for the first time in club history and were one of the best offensive teams the NBL has ever seen, the Phoenix remarkably forced game three at John Cain Arena on Sunday afternoon on the back of some terrific work from Matt Hurt and a sloppy performance from Illawarra.

Heading into the do-or-die clash, the Hawks were slightly favoured based on home court advantage and their dominance throughout the regular season. WIN Entertainment Centre had become a fortress of sorts for the Hawks, and the fans have come out in droves to support their team as they embark on the final stages of their title quest. However, South East Melbourne had been revitalised since its 0-5 start to the season, and with some momentum generated in game two, were a chance to pull off the upset.

Despite the build-up, the match ended up being a fizzer, with the Hawks controlling the contest from the opening tip to cruise home to a whopping 30-point win, setting up a blockbuster matchup against Melbourne United in the Championship Series.

Illawarra Hawks (126) def. South East Melbourne Phoenix (96)

The Hawks could not have jumped out to a better start if they tried, posting a record 37 points in the first quarter, the most for any side in a playoff match during the 40-minute era. That effort was largely on the back of some tremendous work shooting the basketball, with Trey Kell III leading the way, hitting double-digits in seemingly no time at all. At the end of the first quarter, the Hawks held a 15-point buffer, in what was an ominous sign of things to come for the visitors.

Illawarra continued its charge in the second term, with Kell III again heavily involved en route to 26 first-half points in the perfect response to a quiet outing in game two. The Hawks managed a whopping 70 points in the first half and led by 26 points at the main change, with the game all but over by this point.

The home side shot 61 per cent from the field in the first half, and knocked down 11 threes on 18 attempts in a masterful offensive display. The Phoenix simply lacked the firepower to match this level of output and were desperately awaiting halftime.

Despite the Phoenix using the break to reset and recharge, the Hawks continued to run away with the match, pouring in another 33 points in the third quarter, South East Melbourne was simply overwhelmed by the freedom with which the Hawks were scoring the ball, and trailed by 39 points at three-quarter time.

Although the Phoenix won the final quarter 32-23, it was too little, too late as the Hawks had already put a bow on the match with their dominance in the first three quarters, fittingly advancing to the best-of-five series in the coming days.

Kell III was the star of the show for the Hawks, and although he was not as dominant in the final two quarters, his first half showing set the tone for the Hawks. He looked completely in his element on Wednesday night, getting the crowd involved with some fiery celebrations, and finished the contest with 30 points.

Remarkably, after being injected into the starting lineup, veteran Todd Blanchfield exploded for 28 points in 19 minutes of court time, as he wound back the clock in the elimination clash. The 33-year-old knocked down eight triples on 12 attempts and was reflective of Illawarra’s excellence in shooting the ball from long range.

For the Phoenix, Nathan Sobey and Joe Wieskamp fought admirably, combining for 46 points, but it was a night to forget for game two hero Hurt, who managed just four points on 1/6 shooting, looking passive early in the game and not getting enough touches.

It is season over for the Phoenix, while the Hawks will now turn their attention to United, with the Championship Series set to begin at WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.