The buzzer beater: Derone Raukawa says Hawks crowd lifted his team to win

Match-winner Derone Raukawa is mobbed by teammates after the last gasp 82-20 win against the Nelson Giants, National League Basketball, PGA arena, Napier. 16 May 2021 NEWS Photograph/Ian Cooper

Derone Raukawa knows the opportunities to lift the Pettigrew Green Arena's roof won't come around every day.

The Taylor Hawks point guard broke the Nelson Giants with a National Basketball League buzzer-beater at his home arena on Sunday night.

Tied at 80-all in the final seconds, Raukawa lined up his shot and described what happened next as one of the best feelings he's ever had in his basketball career.

"Everyone went wild," he said.

The Taylor Hawks are currently perched at second on the Sal's NBL table and have won their opening three games, which have all been on their home court in Napier.

This is Raukawa's first season with the Hawks and he said they've been lucky to start with the first three games at home in front of a very supportive fan base.

The Hawks bench celebrates Derone Raukawa's final 2 points on the buzzer at the Pettigrew Green Arena, Napier. Photo / Ian Cooper

"The crowd's really been into it," he said.

"They came in force cheering on Sunday night, and I'm sure that's a part of why we came through and won."

Assistant coach Kaine Hokianga said Raukawa's second buzzer-beater in the game (the first coming at the end of the third quarter) was an exciting moment, "but ideally we wouldn't have been in that situation".

Hokianga, who is guiding the team while head coach Jacob Chance is long-distance coaching from Australia, said Raukawa was in the mood to change the game.

"He always steps up to the moment and did it again," he said.

The assistant coach said the team had adapted to Chance's long-distance role, which has started on a positive note.

"Results-wise it's been brilliant – it's a really different situation," Hokianga said.

"Jacob coaches remotely so he just maintains contact with regards to practices and leading into games, which makes things a lot easier."

Chance said the distance hadn't been an issue due to the team's positive mindset in embracing the circumstances.

"We have a great group filled with leaders that all bring a different style of leadership and led by Kaine, who has been unbelievable in a tricky situation for him," he said.

The Taylor Hawks have back to back road games next - they play the Taranaki Mountainairs in New Plymouth on May 20 and the Auckland Huskies the following evening in Auckland.

Hokianga said they'll be taking a look at how the Mountainairs have been playing, but the main focus is on their own game and tidying up things.

"It's the first time we're going to be in a doubleheader of any sort and for it to be on the road is a massive challenge," he added.