Illawarra Hawks enter one of the toughest parts of their season in winning form after bouncing back to their best by beating the Wildcats in Perth.

Three-time former NBA champion JaVale McGee was the star of the show in the 85-84 triumph last Saturday at the RAC Arena with 24 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.

McGee was the difference maker in the closing stages as he scored two baskets in the final minute before Tyler Harvey put the Hawks up by three.

Perth levelled via an Elijah Pepper three-pointer but McGee was fouled with just over a second remaining and after missing the first foul shot, the 37-year-old centre drained the second for Illawarra to register a rare win in the West.

After a 40-point thrashing the previous round, Illawarra’s win over Perth ensured they stayed in touch with the finals equation as they gear up for four matches in the space of a week.

"That felt good," McGee said. "Perth put up a hell of a fight; fans going crazy, everyone's against us.

"That was definitely a crucial win.

"We came in with a mindset that we can't lose any more games, and it showed."

Harvey played a superb support role to McGee with 24 points, eight assists and five rebounds.

Illawarra forward Wani Swaka Lo Buluk chipped in with 11 points while Kiwi teenager Jackson Ball was impressive after getting promoted to the starting line-up.

The Hawks enjoyed a +8 differential when he was on the court even though he only finished with two points and five rebounds.

"It's not just about having confidence in him, this young man worked his tail off for it," coach Justin Tatum said.

"As soon as he got here from high school, he still has to go take his exams in a couple of weeks, he had a challenge of going against Swakand TB [Todd Blanchfield] and never backed down.

"Right now, we needed somebody with his skill set of having composure and who could competently put the ball in the hole.

"This young man is a very talented kid and we're going to keep using him as we can."

The Hawks host the New Zealand Breakers on Friday before travelling to Adelaide for a Sunday stoush with the 36ers.

They return to WIN Entertainment Centre on Wednesday against Melbourne United, who have won their first nine matches, before the Hawks head north to Cairns on Friday for a tussle with the Taipans.

At 2-4, they cannot afford to slip further down the standings but if they can emerge from this next week with a winning record, they will at least be on an even keel after 10 matches.