Game Preview: Phoenix v Taipans

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans head to Wollongong on Sunday with confidence building and momentum on their side, chasing a third straight victory when they face the Illawarra Hawks at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

After back-to-back wins over Melbourne United and the Brisbane Bullets, the Taipans are starting to find their rhythm. Thursday night's 97-91 comeback win over Brisbane highlighted the group's resilience, with Cairns dominating the final quarter to secure another important result.

But Head Coach Adam Forde knows there is no time to relax.

"There are no easy matchups. Every team presents something different," Forde said.

"We don't want to put our feet up and say the job's done because there's still things we need to work on. Illawarra will present a different challenge on their home court."

The Hawks enter the clash looking to respond after Friday night's 122-112 defeat to Tasmania, making Sunday's contest an important opportunity for both teams early in the 2026-27 season.

Few players have been more important to Cairns' recent resurgence than import guard Jaylon Brown.

Brown has averaged 22.5 points across the Taipans' last two victories and continues to grow in confidence as a leader of the offence. Against Brisbane, he exploded for 21 first-half points and controlled the tempo of the game when his side needed it most.

Forde has been impressed by the way Brown is balancing scoring with playmaking responsibilities.

"That's the task that's been assigned to him, finding his moments but also facilitating, and he's growing in that role."

Sunday presents another challenge for the dynamic point guard against Illawarra's bigger backcourt, but Brown's developing partnership with Jack McVeigh is becoming one of the Taipans' biggest weapons.

"I'm super impressed at how much he keeps growing every game," Forde said.

"The synergy he's building with Jack as well, developing that two-man game."

Despite Thursday's win, one area remains firmly in focus.

The Taipans were out-rebounded 50-34 by Brisbane and conceded 22 offensive rebounds, allowing the Bullets too many second-chance opportunities.

While the defensive effort continues to improve, Forde wants his side to finish possessions by securing the ball.

"We need to reward our defence more," he said.

Against a talented Hawks outfit, controlling the glass could be the difference between extending the winning streak and heading home empty-handed.

Tyler Harvey is too good to stay quiet for long.

The Hawks star was limited to just two points against Tasmania on Friday night and played only limited minutes in the second half. History suggests he will be eager to make a statement on Sunday.

Cairns will need to be alert from the opening tip against a Hawks team whose 1-5 record doesn't fully reflect the talent throughout its roster.

Stopping Harvey and limiting Illawarra's offensive firepower will be a major key to victory.

Sunday's clash marks Cairns' fifth road game of the season, continuing a challenging opening schedule that has seen the Taipans spend plenty of time away from home.

But after proving they can win in Melbourne and backing it up against Brisbane, the group is embracing the challenge.

"I've never been worried about this group because there's a lot of talent," Forde said.

With confidence growing and consecutive wins in the bank, the opportunity is there for the Taipans to make another statement and complete a perfect week on the road.