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WHATEVER United tried was to no avail, Melbourne just could not stop Javale, the Hawks' 3-time NBA champion centre with a career-best 37 points as Illawarra formally apologised to its fans for last week's 42-point home defeat in the best way possible - an emphatic win over the NBL's finest.

Right from tip-off it was evident this was the team Hawk fans were hoping for throughout the off-season - a typical Justin Tatum side focusing on defence, ball movement and relentless grit, even after the final siren.

Illawarra's player huddle physically moved United's players from centre court in Wollongong post-game, a further reminder there is no love lost between these two ball clubs.

Anyone needing a reminder had it the moment Melbourne subbed in Chris Goulding to a chorus of boos from the Hawk faithful before Tyler Harvey stuck a 3-pointer to conclude the first quarter with the Hawks 32-22 clear.

McGee, who would finish with a career-high 37 points at 62 per cent, 14 rebounds, an assist, two steals and a block was an absolute keyway colossus.

He was feeling so good, he even swished a 3-pointer, and although it was given as a goal-tend, the United shot he plucked from the air actually brought a reluctant smile to Dean Vickerman's face.

That's not to say United centre Jesse Edwards or back-up Fabijan Krslovic didn't have a crack at the US Olympic gold medallist. They absolutely did their best. But McGee, receiving good passes in useful spots from Davo Hickey and QJ Peterson was in a word, unstoppable.

Both guards dished seven assists apiece as Illawarra established its lead from the outset and never surrendered it, the margin blowing out as far as 20.

Edwards garnered 19 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting but was perennially restricted by foul issues, exacerbated by McGee putting on a show, with even a devastating two-step reverse slam dunk. Finn Delany was solid for Melbourne, his 21 points at 69 per cent including a pair of threes.

But last night Wani Swaka Lo Buluk had Goulding's number, scoring 14 points at 63 per cent complimenting his stellar defensive effort holding the 3-point warrior to five points.

The ball moving slickly and quickly, Illawarra found plenty of options, Hickey with 18 points, Peatling 10 at 80 per cent, Peterson 11 with seven boards to go with his seven assists.

Harvey knocked down 4-of-5 threes in a more disciplined offensive performance and Todd Blanchfield's eight boards were often timely and important.

Despite Tyson Walker being typically active for 14 points, 5 boards, 5 assists and two blocks, Milton Doyle stood out for a career-high 11 assists accompanying 16 points and zero turnovers in 35 minutes.

This is what Illawarra fans have been waiting for, Melbourne meanwhile with a little head-scratching to do.

Round 8

Illawarra Hawks 107 (McGee 37, Hickey 18, Harvey 17, Swaka Lo Buluk 14, Peterson 11, Peatling 10; McGee 14 rebs; Peterson, Hickey 7 assts) d Melbourne United 93 (Delany 21, Edwards 19, Doyle 16, Walker 14; Krslovic, Edwards 6 rebs; Doyle 11 assts) at The Sandpit, WIN Entertainment Centre. Crowd: 3,012 Q-Q: 32-22, 25-21, 22-25, 28-25. Ignite Cup Pts: Illawarra 6, Melbourne 1