Tyler Harvey hit the game-winning basket as Illawarra hit back to level the NBL championship series with a gutsy road win over Melbourne United.Star imports Harvey and Trey Kell recovered from poor game-one showings to lead the Hawks to a thrilling 102-100 victory at John Cain Arena on Wednesday night.

Chris Goulding and Matthew Dellavedova catch fire late to guide Melbourne United to an upset 96-88 win over Illawarra Hawks in Wollongong.

Here's what to keep an eye on as the NBL Championship Series gets set to begin, from the big storylines, to the players primed to explode, and where each team might find their advantages.

Sam Froling of the Illawarra Hawks drives to the basket during game one of the NBL Grand Final Series against Melbourne United at WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Picture by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

Star Hawks trio Sam Froling, Tyler Harvey and Trey Kell III have Illawarra on the cusp of a crucial road win to level the NBL championship series with Melbourne United.

The Illawarra Hawks soared into their first National Basketball League title decider in eight years after a ruthless 126-96 rout of South East Melbourne Phoenix at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on Wednesday night.

The Illawarra Hawks have levelled the best-of-five NBL championship series against Melbourne United at 1-1 with a tough road win at John Cain Arena.

Tyler Harvey was the hero as the Illawarra Hawks levelled the best-of-five NBL championship series against Melbourne United at 1-1 with a tense road win.