Australians in the NBA - Giddey best in Boomers matchup

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

OKC's Josh Giddey starred over fellow Boomers teammate Joe Ingles' Orlando Magic, helping the Thunder win 127-113.

Josh Giddey's Oklahoma City have moved to within a half-game of Western Conference-leading Minnesota after their 127-113 NBA road win over Orlando.

Giddey had 10 points, five rebounds and five assists on Wednesday (AEDT), while fellow Boomers star Joe Ingles registered just one board and three assists in his 10 minutes of action for the Magic.

Jalen Williams scored a game-high 33 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 32 and five assists for the Thunder, who improved to 37-17 for the season.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 13 points during a five-minute stretch of the third quarter in which OKC took command of the game, which was played on the night Orlando retired Shaquille O'Neal's No.32.

O'Neal, the first Magic player to have his number retired, played his first four NBA seasons (1992-96) in Orlando.

In New York, Ben Simmons' Brooklyn pushed the NBA-best Boston, but were beaten 118-110.

Simmons had five points, six rebounds and eight assists in 26 minutes as his Nets comeback from injury continues.

Jayson Tatum had 41 points and 14 rebounds and Jaylen Brown added 19 points for the Celtics, who won their fifth straight game and improved to 42-12. They will host Brooklyn on Thursday (AEDT) in the final game for both teams before the All-Star break.

Tatum tied his career high for points in a first half with 31 and Boston led comfortably much of the way while playing without Kristaps Porzingis (back).

Mikal Bridges scored 27 points and Cam Thomas had 26 for the Nets (21-32), who lost for the fourth time in five games and ninth in the last 10 meetings with Boston.

And in Milwaukee, Nikola Jovic scored a career-high 24 points, Bam Adebayo had his second triple-double of the season and Miami rolled to a 123-97 victory over the Bucks.

Adebayo finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, while Duncan Robinson added 23 points for the Heat (29-25), who have won five of seven since a seven-game skid.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 23 points, 11 boards and eight assists for the Bucks (35-20), but didn't attempt a free throw all night.

Milwaukee were playing one night after a 112-95 triumph over the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets.