Basketball On The Internet.

ILLAWARRA import Tyler Harvey has hit his share of big shots during his NBL career but none bigger than the triple which tonight tied the Championship Series at 1-1 after his foul on the previous play put Ian Clark at the stripe for three free throws which gave Melbourne the lead with 10.4 seconds remaining.

The Hawks led 99-97 when Harvey unnecessarily fouled Clark, who was under enormous pressure regardless.

Clark had 28 points at that point and 4-of-7 threeballs but fouling him ensured the NBA and NBL championship-winner, a 91 per cent free throw shooter, would give United the lead. It was a poor play by Harvey.

Unsurprisingly and to the crowd's huge delight, Clark slotted all three free throws and Melbourne was ahead 100-99 and about to steal a 2-0 lead.

From Illawarra's time-out huddle which saw Hyunjung Lee and Todd Blanchfield also check in, it was evident the Hawks were more likely to go for the three.

Harvey caught it cleanly, turned and fired and with 5.7 seconds left, Illawarra had the lead 102-100.

If ever someone needed to step up in the big moment, and especially after the preceding play, Harvey did anything but shrink. He was a giant.

Time-out Melbourne.

With United infamous for its ability to steal games on last plays, the Hawks defended exceptionally, Chris Goulding forced into a tough three for the win which almost dropped despite the pressure to which he was subjected.

Grand Final Game 3 shifts back to Wollongong on Sunday evening with a question-mark hovering over Melbourne defensive ace and playmaker Shea Ili, hurt early in an accidental clash with Will Hickey which kept him from the rest of the match due to concussion protocols.

United had to weather that, along with serious foul woes for Rob Loe, Jack White and Marcus Lee which not only hindered their court-time but their levels of aggression.

Playing through centreman Sam Froling (23 points, 9-of-14 shooting) paid immediate dividends as Illawarra drew winning hands from its three aces.

Not only did Harvey strike the match-winner but he played with greater general aggression for his team-leading 24 points.

Trey Kell, another Game 1 absentee, was aggressive from the tip and produced a strong stat line of 18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and a block. The fact he had it going early was important.

When the game was there to be won, Lachy Olbrich also shone and Hickey, who struggled early, found many little ways to keep contributing, with eight points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.

His 3-point make which closed the third quarter and first hit the front of the rim, travelled upwards, then made its mind up to plop through, meant the Hawks took an 82-71 buffer and a game-high 11-point lead into the last break. 

It made no difference to Clark, who scored 16 of his series-high 31 points in the final period to bring United back from the brink.

Goulding and Matthew Dellavedova joined in the 29-point last quarter assault as Melbourne, which again drew some high quality minutes from Tanner Krebs and also Flynn Cameron, threatened to steal a match it had no right to pinch.

United was ballsy but in the end, the Hawks were brave, the championship back on serve.

NBL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SCHEDULE (Best-of-Five Grand Finals)

ILLAWARRA HAWKS v MELBOURNE UNITED

Game 1: Melbourne United 96 (Dellavedova 18, Goulding 15, Lee 14, Ili, Lee 15 rebs; Clark, Goulding, Ili 4 assts) d Illawarra Hawks 88 (Froling 16, Hickey 14, Blanchfield 13, Swaka Lo Buluk 11; Hickey, Froling 7 rebs; Hickey 8 assts) at WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong. Crowd: 5,491 Melbourne leads series 1-0

Game 2: Illawarra Hawks 102 (Harvey 24, Froling 23, Kell 18, Swaka Lo Buluk 12; Kell 8 rebs; Kell 6 assts) d Melbourne United 100 (Clark 31, Goulding 17, Dellavedova 14, Krebs 12; White, Lee 6 rebs; Lee, Dellavedova 5 assts) at John Cain Arena, Melbourne. Crowd: 9,135 Series tied 1-1

Game 3: Sunday, March 16, WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, 5:30pm AEDT

Game 4 (if required): Wednesday, March 19, John Cain Arena, Melbourne, 7:30pm AEDT

Game 5 (if required): Sunday, March 23, WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, 2:30pm AEDT