Hawks coach Rob Beveridge is adamant his squad are on the verge of launching a top-four assault despite slumping to their eighth defeat of the season last weekend.
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Illawarra were competitive but couldn’t match it with defending premiers Perth Wildcats in a 99-91 defeat on Sunday afternoon.
It was the club’s seventh consecutive defeat to the West Australian giant and second loss in as many weeks.
The eight-point loss sees Illawarra slide to second last on the competition ladder, with a 5-8 record for the season.
Only arch rivals Sydney Kings (3-11) sit below them on the table, but Beveridge isn’t panicking about his side’s predicament.
He believes they are poised to make a move up the competition.
“We are so close to being really good,” Beveridge said.
“It is simple as this. We have to go out next week and we have got to win.
“We have to learn how to win again and that’s what Perth do very well.”
Beveridge’s view of the Hawks’ current situation was shared by star import Demitrius Conger, who scored a season high 30 points in their loss to the Cats at WIN Entertainment Centre.
“I feel like we are almost there,” Conger said.
“Obviously we are not perfect but I think if we correct a few things we will be on the same page and where we need to be.”
Asked if he thought if the Hawks could learn some valuable lessons off the ladder leading Cats, Conger said; “Absolutely. I feel like when you are playing teams like that it all comes down to who makes the less mistakes.
“They capitalised on that so you have to keep everything to a minimum otherwise teams will make you play.”
Conger returned to the Hawks starting line-up for their grand final rematch at home after serving a one-game suspension for striking.
The talented American was by far Illawarra’s best in the tense defeat, shooting 11/16 from the field on his home floor.
“I was just picking my spots and trying to be aggressive,” Conger said.
“I was trying to find my teammates when I could find them and just trying to be a smart basketball player.”
Illawarra next play against Melbourne United at WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.
United beat the Hawks 91-73 when the two teams met eight days ago, but Illawarra were without AJ Ogilvy and Conger for the trip to Melbourne.
Vice captain Mitch Norton also fractured his thumb midway through the same fixture.
