23

Dec

Aussies in the NBA

Landale fires again but Shai show takes over

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basketball.com.au

Landale fires again but Shai show takes over
Landale fires again but Shai show takes over

Jock Landale #31 of the Memphis Grizzlies grabs the rebound during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 22, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Photo: Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

Highlights

The Aussie Boomer's career-best form was even noted by an ESPN front office insider

Jock Landale has reached double figures for the 17th time this season as he continues to play above the value of his contract for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Re-inserted into the starting line-up for the clash against the defending champions, put together an impressive double-double for an undermanned Grizzlies, who fought hard against the Western Conference ladder leaders - except for a 36-26 second quarter.

Making the move to Memphis from Houston on a minimum USD $2.4 million deal, the 30-year-old Boomers big man has been in career-best form, sparking ESPN's front office insider Bobby Marks to include Landale in his NBA All-Value Team - 15 players outperforming their deals.

With averages of 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in just more than 22 minutes per game this season, while shooting 51.5% from the field and 41.3% from three-point land, Landale has proven what he can do, even as a starting centre.

"Landale was a roster casualty after the Houston Rockets extended Steven Adams and signed Clint Capela last offseason. Now on his sixth team in seven seasons, Landale signed a one-year minimum contract with Memphis and has provided an excellent insurance policy behind starter Zach Edey, who will be out at least a month because of a left ankle injury," Marks said in the ESPN article.

"In his past 10 games, Landale is averaging 10.1 points and 6.0 rebounds in 21.2 minutes. He had his second 20-point, 10-rebound game this season in last week's win over Minnesota."

His form has been noticed amongst the NBA community with Milwaukee Bucks legend and Redeem Team member, Michael Redd, recently saying Landale would be a nice addition for a playoff team.

NBA BOX SCORE: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies

Jock Landale did all he could to help the Memphis Grizzlies be competitive against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder but 31 points from MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved too much to overcome, going down 119-103 at Paycom Center.

Landale started, playing 26 minutes for 11 points (4-from-9 FG and 2-from-4 3PT), 10 rebounds and three assists.

It was Landale's 17th game in double figures for the season.

The Grizzlies have now moved to 13-16 on the season and the extra opportunity is set to continue for Landale with Zach Edey missing with an ankle injury.

NBA BOX SCORE: Boston Celtics vs Indiana Pacers

Johnny Furphy played 23 minutes in a 103-95 loss to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.

The highflying Furphy, who has had his injury problems this season but recently recorded his career-high of 18 points in 23 minutes, had three points, five rebounds and two assists in the defeat.

He went 1-from-4 from the field but continues to look increasingly active compared to when he first returned from injury.

NBA BOX SCORE: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Charlotte Hornets

Josh Green's form and three-point shooting improves every game for the Charlotte Hornets since his return from a shoulder injury, recording 10 points in 139-132 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Green went 3-from-4 from beyond the arc and has been a major boost for an improved Hornets side in recent weeks.

Fellow Aussie and Cavs rookie Tyrese Proctor played two late minutes for two points.

NBA BOX SCORE: New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum remains out for the season due to a knee injury for the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks lost 119-113 to the rising New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center.

NBA BOX SCORE: Portland Trail Blazers vs Detroit Pistons

Duop Reath got nothing except posterised by Detroit Pistons young gun Ausar Thompson in the Portland Trail Blazer's 110-102 loss top the Eastern Conference leaders.

Reath played six minutes for one rebound and one assist and was a -12 in his playing time.

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