The 25-year-old has produced some big moments so far this season - his buzzer-beating three to send the Hawks round 15 clash with New Zealand into over time the major case in point.

But there’s no doubt his 17-point performance against United was his best of the season, and perhaps his NBL career.

Ellis exploded out of the blocks in the second and third quarters with his own 8-0 run in then third giving the Hawks their only lead of the match midway through the term.

It wasn’t enough to get his side the win but it showe Ellis can be a valuable X factor from the bench come play-offs.

‘‘I’m just trying to be aggressive off the bench,’’ Ellis said post-match.

‘‘Oscar [Forman] and I have spoken a lot about how earlier in the season we weren’t very productive from the four spot. We spoke about him being aggressive to start with and me coming on and keeping it going.”

Ellis said his side will need to stiffen their resolve to make an impression on the finals after dropping three of their last four games.

‘‘I think we’ve been challenged mentally the last few games and we haven’t quite been up to par,’’ Ellis said.

‘‘Adding Kirk into that is going to help us a lot with that extra experience.

‘‘We’ve got the team to go as far as anyone come play-offs. We’ve obviously still got to win a game to solidify a spot but we’re good enough definitely.’’