Hallway scuffle erupts as Kings, Hawks play out Christmas night NBL thriller

The Sydney Kings’ Christmas night clash with Illawarra Hawks got off to a hot start — and it kept heating up with reports referees had to separate players during a hallway scuffle.

Sam Froling lays the ball up during the round 13 NBL match between Sydney Kings and Illawarra Hawks at Qudos Bank Arena. Picture: Getty Images

Players from the Kings and Hawks could be on Santa’s naughty list for 2025 after reports of a hallway scuffle at half-time of their thrilling Christmas night clash in Sydney.

Head office will likely investigate the incident on a night the Hawks survived a buzzer-beating three-point attempt to hold on for a 111-108 win in the battle between the top two teams in the NBL.

The derby got off to a heated start with a scuffle in the first few minutes as the teams combined for 19 fouls in the first quarter.

Things appeared to have simmered down as they walked up the tunnel at the main break locked at 58-all, but as the players returned for the second half, ESPN’s Jo Healy reported that things only intensified as they headed towards the locker rooms.

“We saw a bit of argy-bargy in the first half, and it continued into the hallway at half-time,” she said.

“I’m told Cam Oliver and Sam Froling had to be held back from one another before a scrum broke out from both teams.

“The referees then had to help out and separate them.”

Trey Kell III starred for the Hawks. Picture: Getty Images

HAWKS FLYING

The Hawks are now 3-0 against their biggest rivals this season and have consolidated top spot thanks to another huge display from their superstar backcourt who produced a scoring spree that will rival any Boxing Day shopping spree.

Tyler Harvey was held scoreless in the first quarter but erupted with 17 points in the second quarter on his way to 22 points which included four triples.

But it was Trey Kell III who stole the show with 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds as the ladder-leaders overcame a slow start to show once again why they are one of the most dangerous attacking units in the NBL.

Kell was 7/7 from the free throw line and knocked down a clutch three as he played the role of the Grinch to break the hearts of the healthy crowd in Sydney.

Hawks players celebrate their win over the Kings. Picture: Getty Images

COMEBACK KINGS

The Kings faithful would have loved the start at Qudos Bank Arena as young gun Alex Toohey took control of the first half with 20 points on his way to a career-high 25.

Kouat Noi was just as dominant with 24 points and nine rebounds as the Kings stormed home in the final few minutes when it looked like they were headed for a blowout loss at home.

The Kings were down by double digits in the fourth quarter but cut the margin to one thanks to a Toohey three and a key steal, and they had their chance to take the lead thanks to a flurry of offensive rebounds before a Noi offensive foul stalled the comeback.

Noi had the chance to be the hero but couldn’t sink his three-point attempt as time expired in one of the games of the season.

Originally published as Hallway scuffle erupts as Kings, Hawks play out Christmas night NBL thriller