Playing in their first decider since the 2009-10 NBL season, Illawarra are on the cusp of being bounced out in straight sets after falling to their second consecutive 89-77 defeat to the Perth Wildcats on Wednesday night.

Despite looking in control in the first half, the Hawks were overwhelmed by a Wildcats outfit hunting back-to-back NBL titles and playing in their sixth grand final series in the past eight seasons.

Illawarra are unable to rely on the same experience on the big stage as their rivals, but Beveridge insists his squad must adapt swiftly heading into game three at Perth Arena.

"This is a new environment for the majority of our players to be in this situation so to me, it is an incredible learning situation for them but we have to learn really quick,” he said.

"We have to learn on the fly during the game, evaluate and I think our players are probably second guessing themselves a little bit at the moment. 

"I think our performance was a lot better [on Wednesday] than it was the other night. In saying that I thought Perth were better than what they were.

"I think this series has gone to another level and I think game three is going to be an absolute cracker."

Beveridge was also adamant the Hawks could ill-afford another third quarter lapse if they were any hope of keeping their title hopes alive. Illawarra were dominated on the glass after the break in game two and lost the second half 49-32.

“People don't like it when you say your players are 'soft' because it hurts their feelings but we went soft and got out-rebounded I think it was 16-5 in that [third] quarter. That there is the difference between winning a championship or winning a game,” he said. 

"And are our guys are close, they really are. If we can just match their tenacity on the glass the whole time.

"I truly believe these guys can do something special as a group, if we take care of staying in the game, rebounding, that can really help us."

Perth are sweating on the fitness of veteran Matt Knight, who was concussed in game two. 

The talented big-man is expected to undergo tests 48-hours after the incident occurred.

“We'll do everything in our power with our medical staff and make sure he's okay,” Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson said.

“I didn't see the incident or where he got the hit, but Matt's welfare is number one."