Hawks coach Rob Beveridge is adamant Illawarra won’t take their foot off the pedal for Friday’s last regular season game against the Adelaide 36ers at WIN Entertainment Centre.
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Despite already booking their finals spot, the Hawks aren’t planning on taking a relaxed attitude into their only round 19 meeting.
Beveridge maintains there remains plenty at stake for his men leading into the post-season.
‘‘We want to win the series it is as simple as that,” he said.
‘‘We want to go into the playoffs absolutely hardened.
“Adelaide will be super desperate because they have to win both games.
‘‘We are the first game, so they will be pumped.
‘‘I think they are going to really get after it, there is no question.”
Adelaide are in a two-way battle with the New Zealand Breakers to secure the final playoff spot.
Friday’s match against Illawarra will have a huge impact on the race for fourth position.
The 36ers lead the series against the Hawks 2-1 heading into the clash after chalking up a 104-90 victory over Illawarra a fortnight ago.
‘‘They had a burst in Adelaide that was just incredible and I think they identified some weaknesses of ours and they exposed us,” Beveridge said.
‘‘We are working on that but we can’t wait for [the rematch on Friday].
“Even in the playoffs I don’t think you could get a better game.’’
The 36ers will welcome back star guard Jerome Randle from a two-game lay-off for the crucial encounter.
‘‘He is a hell of a player,” Beveridge said.
‘‘He is a possible MVP and he got hurt against us so he might have a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
“He might want to come and kick our arse.
‘‘That is his the type of player he is, he wants to beat everybody but I am expect him to be good.
‘‘We have to put some things in place to counter him.’’
Tip-off is at 7.30pm.