Wed Feb 05 12:00:00 IST 2025: ## Hawks Aim for Historic First Place Finish in New Zealand

**Auckland, NZ –** The Illawarra Hawks are on the cusp of making history. A win against the New Zealand Breakers in Auckland on Wednesday night would secure them first place in the NBL regular season for the first time in the club’s history.

Head coach Justin Tatum, whose coaching career began with a Hawks victory over the Breakers in New Zealand in November 2023, is leading the charge. He expressed excitement about the potential historical achievement, acknowledging the significance of returning to the scene of his coaching debut to potentially create a “special moment” for the club and city.

While aware of the historical implications, Tatum emphasized the team’s focus on securing the top seed, stating, “We want to get the job done on Wednesday.” He also acknowledged the danger posed by the Breakers, despite their eliminated playoff status and the Hawks’ two previous wins against them this season. “It’s a dangerous game for us,” Tatum cautioned, emphasizing the Breakers’ competitive spirit and the significance of their final home game.

The game tips off at 5:30 PM AEST at Spark Arena in Auckland. A win would not only secure a historic first-place finish for the Hawks but also avoid the pressure of needing to win their final game against the Sydney Kings on Friday.

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