Tatum: ‘No room for complacency’

While the Illawarra Hawks may have finished December with a loss, they still sit comfortably on top of the NBL standings with all eyes on a Championship.

“This month gave us life and hope,” Justin Tatum said post-game against the Phoenix.

“Just within the group to say that we are one of the best teams in the league.

“We clearly wanted to have an undefeated record in December, but I’d rather be undefeated in March.”

The Hawks won five of their six games in December and while the loss to the Phoenix came as a shock to many, Tatum was short and sweet in his message to his team.

“We talked about it in the locker room, to try and maintain that and not be lackadaisical,” he said.

“We got complacent at times.”

Tatum brushed off any talk of fatigue amongst his team, which is set to play multiple games in quick succession to begin the new year.

The challenge for the Hawks is simple, according to their coach.

“(We need) to put out full four quarter efforts. We have to do a better job of that, and it starts with me.”

Illawarra now welcomes the Taipans to WIN Entertainment Centre, as it aims to get back on the winners list and maintain its place as the team to beat in NBL25.

“I’m glad we play on Friday, so hopefully we can fix our mistakes,” Tatum added.

The Hawks take on Cairns at 7.30pm on Friday night, live on ESPN.