Forman – arguably the best three point shooter in NBL history – hit six threes from 12 attempts on his way to a game-high 24 points.

He hit several big shots in an enthralling second half where the momentum shifted several times.

AJ Ogilvy was also outstanding for the Hawks with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Illawarra imports Marvelle Harris (13 points) and Rotnei Clarke (11 points) chipped in against a Kings side playing without Brad Newley, who was ruled out an hour before the match with a foot injury.

Former NBA centre Josh Powell picked up his scoring load, tallying 21 points as Jason Cadee (15 points) and Kevin Lisch (11 points) both breached double digits.

It was a back-and-forth contest from the outset as the Kings looked to jump Sydney on the ladder.

Harris corner three gave Illawarra a 12-9 earlier advantage before the Kings fired back instantly as Lisch drove to the basket and hit a trademark lay-up.

Both finished with a team-high seven points in the first period.

The Hawks went into the first break with their biggest lead of the term at 26-21 on the back of a late Forman treble.

A hungry Powell, who finished with 10 in the quarter, came out after the break intent on cutting the margin and bullied his way inside to finish twice in the first 59 seconds of the second quarter.

His efforts kept the Kings in touching distance until a late Forman jumper from mid-range had Illawarra 41-38 up at the main break.

An early burst to start the third, capped off by an Ogilvy tip-in, saw Illawarra’s balloon to double digits with 4:48 remaining in the quarter.

It was then that their momentum shuddered to a grinding halt.

A stunning 15-0 Kings run, inspired by a red-hot Cadee, saw the hosts stroll to 63-58 lead the the final break, but the crazy momentum swings didn’t stop there.

A barrage of Illawarra threes in the fourth saw them outscore Sydney 29-12 in the quarter to run away with a crucial 12 points win.

Illawarra are now 10-8 in second spot.