Australians in the NBA - Daniels gets one up Green

Monday, January 15, 2024

Australia's Dyson Daniels has helped New Orleans to a 118-108 NBA win over Dallas.

Dyson Daniels has earned bragging rights over Josh Green as he helped the New Orleans Pelicans to a 118-108 NBA win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Both Australian youngsters started in Saturday's game and 20-year-old Daniels scored 10 points to go with his sevens assists as the Pelicans (24-16) leapfrogged the host Mavericks (23-17) to climb into sixth spot in the western conference.

The 23-year-old Green had nine points plus four assists and six rebounds for the Mavericks.

Rookie Jordan Hawkins scored a season-high 34 points to lead seven New Orleans players in double figures in a game in which most of both teams' regular starters weren't in uniform.

Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 33 points followed by Tim Hardaway Jr. and Derrick Jones Jr. with 24 each.

Dallas superstar Luka Doncic missed a second consecutive game for the first time this season because of an ankle sprain while Australian Dante Exum (plantar fascia) missed a sixth consecutive game.

The Pelicans played without Zion Williamson (rest), Brandon Ingram (Achilles) and CJ McCollum (ankle).

Australia's Josh Giddey had 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists as he helped high-flying Oklahoma City Thunder to a 112-100 win over the Orlando Magic.

The win ensured the Thunder (27-11) matched the season record of leaders Minnesota Timberwolves as they battle for top spot in the western conference.

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points against short-handed Orlando while Jalen Williams scored 16 points and Chet Holmgren added 15.

In Boston, Jayson Tatum had 27 points and eight rebounds before being ejected on back-to-back technical fouls as the Celtics remained unbeaten at home with a 145-113 victory over their former coach Ime Udoka and his Houston Rockets.

Jaylen Brown scored 32 points and the Celtics improved to 19-0 in the TD Garden.

In Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points and Damian Lillard added 27 points as their Bucks used a big fourth quarter to pull away against short-handed Golden State, winning 129-118.

The Warriors rested Stephen Curry in the second night of a road back-to-back and are still without Draymond Green.