Illawarra’s NBL title defence is looking shaky after the Hawks dropped back to the bottom of the ladder on the back of last Saturday’s 116-76 thumping at the hands of South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena.

To make matters worse, they were brought undone by a former club junior with Angus Glover notching a career-high 26 points after a blistering 23-point effort in the first half.

Glover drained seven of his eight three-point attempts in the opening two quarters as the Phoenix streaked away from the Hawks, who have now lost four of their first five games.

"We won all four quarters - that was my favourite part,” Phoenix coach Josh King said.

"We stayed consistent throughout the game and didn't have any slippage or let-up."

Star import JaVale McGee led the way for Illawarra with 22 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, including a swat on a three-point attempt by Jordan Hunter.

"We walk away very disappointed," Hawks captain Tyler Harvey said.

"As players it's our job to perform on the court and we didn't do it tonight.

"This league is tough. If you come out lax, you're going to get your butt kicked."

Illawarra led 16-13 early but Glover’s hot hand put the Phoenix in front 30-23 by the end of the first term.

The Phoenix scored 16 unanswered points as part of a 22-2 run on the way to jumping out to a 66-40 advantage by half-time.

Illawarra were unable to make any headway in the third quarter and after trailing 83-52 at the end of the three quarter, both teams went through the motions in the final term with the result never in question.

The Hawks face another difficult assignment in their bid to get their season back on track when they fly to Perth for the second time in the space of a few weeks for a Saturday night showdown with the Wildcats, who have won three of their opening six matches.

Illawarra return to the WIN Entertainment Centre next Friday for a Halloween fixture against the New Zealand Breakers before jetting off to Adelaide on Sunday to take on the 36ers.