Star import JaVale McGee has delivered to silence Perth and hand Illawarra a much-needed NBL victory.

The three-time NBA champion and Tokyo Olympic gold medallist made four crucial plays in the final minute at Perth's RAC Arena on Saturday as the Hawks, coming off a 40-point loss last week, beat the Wildcats 85-84.

The 213cm centre (24 points, 11 rebounds, three assists) waged war with Wildcats big Jo Lual-Acuil (18 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks), who fouled out while attacking the rim with the game in the balance and four minutes to play.

Veteran Wildcat Jesse Wagstaff tried admirably to slow McGee, but the American was virtually unstoppable.

McGee put the Hawks ahead with 60 seconds to play, then hit a tough floater on their next trip up the floor for a one-point lead.

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