Ingles' night cut short with apparent injury

Melbourne United star Joe Ingles was forced from the court in a pre-season game on Saturday night, pulling up abruptly while driving down the floor.

The 38-year-old walked off unaided, but limping, in what was just his second game in United colours since returning to the League from the NBA.

Ingles didn't take the court again after the incident, which occurred with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Encouragingly, he received no treatment on the bench.

ESPN's Olgun Uluc later tweeted: "The early word out of Melbourne United is quite positive. Joe Ingles just jammed his ankle on this play; he has some stiffness in the aftermath, but there doesn’t seem to be too much concern at all."

The South East Melbourne Phoenix made a big comeback late to claim early bragging rights against their cross-town rivals, winning 91-89.