Aussie champs 'enlightened' by NBA star's pre-game message

It was an emotional night for the Illawarra Hawks on Sunday, winning their first NBL title in 24 years after toppling Melbourne United in the game five decider.

And perhaps the added boost the players needed came from Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, who offered his support to the Aussie team pre-game.

Tatum's father Justin coaches the side and woke up to a video message from his son, which he opted to share with his squad before the do-or-die game.

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Speaking to media in the midst of the championship celebrations, the 46-year-old explained the impact having one of the NBA's most iconic franchises in their corner. 

"I told my guys, I woke up this morning to a video," Tatum said.

"He [Jayson] sent a video to my team and said 'pops, send this to your group'.

"It was a reassurance to my group about what they should potentially feel and how to win a game seven for them, five for us.

"He sent a support message to my group and I think that enlightened them a lot.

"The whole 2023/24 Boston Celtics are about to watch our game right now … if those guys can do it, we can do it.

"Hearing from him and him having sent that message on his own was unbelievable. It was meaningful to my players as well."

Tatum is one of the biggest stars in all of basketball, having led the Celtics to their first championship in more than 15 years last season.

The 27-year-old also won a gold medal for USA at both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

Justin took over as Hawks head coach in 2023 and has lifted them from the NBL cellar to a title in a short space of time.