Forde thrilled after tough Hawks success

Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde has praised his side's resilience and execution after securing a hard-fought 110-100 road win over the Illawarra Hawks on Sunday.

Despite leading by as many as 17 points during the first half, the Taipans were forced to withstand several Hawks surges before Jack McVeigh helped close out the contest with a standout 32-point performance.

Forde said the challenge posed by Illawarra's up-tempo style was something the Taipans had prepared extensively for throughout the week.

“We knew that Illawarra was going to come out with a lot of energy, and we talked extensively in video and scout that they looked really good in the open court,” Forde said post-match.

“Our transition defence hasn't been the best for stretches throughout the season, so that was a big focus.

“We got up 17 and they brought it back off the back of them getting stops and running out.”

TAIPANS’ SPEED THRILLS

While Cairns built its success on efficient offense and elite three-point shooting, Forde said matching Illawarra's pace was always going to create an entertaining contest.

The Taipans connected on 18 three-pointers and had five players score in double figure points, continuing Cairns’ recent all-round offensive threat.

“We wanted to keep pushing the pace, but Illawarra is a team that pushes the pace as well,” Forde said.

“So naturally it's always going to be high-scoring games here, especially with our style of play.”

NEXT GAME FOCUS

The win lifted Cairns to a 4-3 record and into the NBL top four after three straight victories and further reinforced the progress the squad has made through the opening seven games of their 2026-27 campaign.

“I think everyone needs wins. The league is so tight," Forde said.

“Name your team that doesn't need a win right now. I think every game you watch, especially this early in the season, teams are trying to find their identity.

“Teams are trying to work some things out, the lineups. I know some teams are struggling also with some marquee-level injuries, but everybody's desperate.”

The victory gives Cairns valuable momentum heading into another challenging road assignment next weekend, when the Taipans battle South East Melbourne Phoenix at John Cain Arena on Saturday from 4.30pm AEST.