All the focus has been on Tyler Harvey's shooting in 2021 - and rightfully so, with the star import averaging more than 20 points and 3.2 assists per game. However, Goorjian has continued to blood Illawarra's youth, which could pay dividends post-season.

With a finals spot secured, the coach put Harvey on ice for the team's last regular season game on Thursday night. Captain AJ Ogilvy and Justin Simon were also given limited game time but the Hawks were more than competitive, falling 79-73 to Sydney Kings at the WEC.

Instead, Emmett Naar and Justinian Jessup ran Illawarra's attack, combining for 22 points and seven assists. Isaac White provided much-needed energy - especially when the Hawks were down in the third quarter - on his way to 12 points and five rebounds, while Lachie Dent (eight points) drained two big three-pointers.

Read more: High-flying Eagles wary of Gorillas' resurgence on trip to Cec Glenholmes Oval

"We did our job against Perth and, after four games in eight days, there was dangerous signs for a guy like Harvey, carrying a Bryce Cotton-like load," Goorjian said.

"To get Justin some rest, to get Ogilvy some rest, to take Harvey off the floor and still be competitive and get some more energy out of our young group, we got everything that we wanted out of the game - except it obviously would have been great to win.

"Tim Coenraad also played some really big minutes. I couldn't really use him against Perth, so that run and getting him those minutes was huge. Deng Deng's minutes were huge too. It's not a game anymore, it's a series. So we've talked about the reason we got here is we've used more depth. Isaac's becoming more involved in the rotation. We're getting deeper and these guys got minutes on Thursday night, and I was really pleased with how they played."

Read more: Group Seven postpones Superoos' clash with Jets due to COVID-19 concerns

After playing four games in the past week, the Hawks will now enjoy a well-earned rest before the playoffs get under way on June 10.

Goorjian's men are yet to find out who they will meet. Melbourne United have all-but sealed top spot from the Wildcats, with the Hawks sitting third. The Phoenix, Kings and Bullets all remain in the hunt to play finals, with South East Melbourne a chance to leap-frog Illawarra on the ladder.

No matter how it pans out, after banking 20 wins in 2021, Goorjian believes the Hawks are well placed for the next phase of the season.

"We prepared for what took place [on Thursday night] and I'm really relieved with where we are physically. And we've got this period of time now to get ready for this first game," he said.

Read more: Shoalhaven quartet headline Cricket NSW's youth academy squad

"I do think this team is starting to get some energy behind it in the way they play, and the community is starting to embrace them. We feel that. I think those games that we've won, and even a game like this, on the road we wouldn't have had a chance. Now, we come into the finals and we've got a little bit of momentum here.

"I don't think Thursday night hurt us. I think the fans could see that the young kids are really getting better, they're really working and no matter who we put on the floor, they're going to give them everything they've got. And we're in a really exciting period of time for this organisation and for this team to get a big playoff game here [WEC]. Hopefully in front of a sold-out crowd."