9
Dec
Aussies in the NBA
Birthday boy Furphy building in Pacers victory
Johnny Furphy #12 and T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers high five. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Highlights
It was a quiet day for Aussies in the NBA but Johnny Furphy may be showing signs he's finding form
- Potential trade destinations for Landale as Redeem Team star praises Aussie big man
- 'On me': Giddey takes blame as Bulls' losses mount
- Stunning stats! Why Dyson Daniels is better than you think
Johnny Furphy is slowly finding his feet with the Indiana Pacers after returning from a month out with an ankle injury.
The highflying Aussie wing had struggled to have an impact since coming back on December 4, scoring just two points along with three rebounds and one assist combined in his first two appearances back with the Pacers.
Furphy looked passive in those contests, where he played 16 minutes in each game, but in only 10 minutes at home against the Sacramento Kings appeared more active on both ends of the floor.
The Pacers need Furphy to emerge as a legitimate role player in his second season with so many players out with injury, including All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Meanwhile, New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen made history with his performance against San Antonio.
NBA BOX SCORE: Indiana Pacers vs Sacramento Kings
Johnny Furphy knocked down his first three-pointer in more than a month in a 116-105 win over the Sacramento Kings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Furphy played 10 minutes for three points, two rebounds and two steals in the 11-point victory as he continues to build after his return from an ankle injury.
Andrew Nembhard led the way for the Pacers with 28 points.
NBA BOX SCORE: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns
Joe Ingles played less than a minute as the Minnesota Timberwolves dropped a home game at Target Center to the Phoenix Suns.
Ingles didn't record a stat as the Timberwolves lost 108-105 thanks to a big performance from Suns big man Mark Williams, where he had 22 points and seven rebounds.
Anthony Edwards had 40 points for Minnesota.
NBA BOX SCORE: New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs
NBA rookie Derik Queen nearly single-handedly dragged his New Orleans Pelicans to a win against San Antonio. The big man became the first rookie in NBA history to put up a 25/10/10 stat line with 3 blocks, finishing the game with 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and four blocks. It wasn't enough though, as San Antonio got over the line largely in part to another rookie, No.2 pick Dylan Harper, who had 22 points and 6 assists off the bench.
NBA G LEAGUE UPDATE
Austin Spurs def Mexico City Capitanes 110-107 (Tuesday, December 9)
Jacob Chance's Austin Spurs continue to show they area legitimate G League title contender, taking their record to 10-1 with a three-point win over Mexico City.
Chance, a former Melbourne United and Tasmania JackJumpers lead assistant coach, was recently named G League Coach of the Month for November.
Iowa Wolves def Sioux Falls Skyforce 115-110 (Monday, December 8)
Rocco Zikarsky's long-range repertoire is building after hitting another two three-pointers as the Iowa Wolves beat Sioux Falls by five points for their seventh win of the season.
Zikarsky had 16 points, including 2-from-3 from distance, along with five rebounds and two assists in the victory.
