Illawarra are clawing their way up the NBL ladder after finally putting together back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

After slumping to a 2-6 record, the Hawks kick-started their title defence last Wednesday in Wollongong with a 107-93 victory over the previously unbeaten Melbourne United.

They backed that up on the road just 48 hours later with a 107-90 triumph over the Taipans in Cairns to skip up to eighth spot, just one win outside the playoff equation.

After a four-game blitz within eight days, they have a mini break before returning to the WIN Entertainment Centre this Sunday for a showdown with their traditional rivals, the Sydney Kings.

Former NBA star JaVale McGee rose to the occasion as the Hawks upset Melbourne with 37 points and 14 rebounds.

The ex-US Olympic gold medallist hit 13 of his 21 shots and missed just once from 11 trips to the free-throw line.

Hawks guards Will Hickey (18 points) and Tyler Harvey (17, including four threes) provided perfect support for McGee’s masterclass.

McGee and Hickey again dominated as the Hawks carried their red-hot form north for their tussle with the Taipans.

Hickey registered the first triple-double of the season with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists.

Recently signed import QJ Peterson drained four three-pointers in his 22-point haul while McGee tormented the Taipans in the paint with 28 points, six rebounds and two assists while making 12 of 13 field goal attempts.

Hawks coach Justin Tatum said their performance was really strong, particularly considering they were backing up from their Wednesday clash with Melbourne.

“We didn't want to drop that intensity," he said.

"We understand that Cairns is short-manned and our mentality was to keep coming and putting pressure on them as much as we can.

“I loved the effort the guys came out and played with.

"They found ways to dominate and score in the paint and make it tough for Cairns."