7
Jan
Auissies in the NBA
Furphy's 'best stint of his career' in Cavs battle
Johnny Furphy #12 of the Indiana Pacers goes up to dunk during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 6, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Michael Hickey/Getty Images
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Aussie Johnny Furphy earns praise after arguably most complete game of his short NBA career
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Aussie second-year forward Johnny Furphy has had arguably the most complete game of his short NBA career despite a close loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Furphy was one point off a double-double but appeared to be well and truly finding his feet after battling through several injury issues to his foot and ankle during the preseason and early stages of the regular season.
His performance also led to popular NBA analyst on social media, Caitlin Cooper, calling a patch in the first quarter "the best stint of his career" following a steal and dunk, which injured Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton loved.
"Great early showing from Furphy. Earned a stop against Garland in isolation. Made a relocation corner three. And manufactured a pick six for a dunk," Cooper wrote on X.
"Probably the best stint of his career."
It comes after injuries have allowed Furphy more opportunity, earning several starts in recent weeks and being the first off the bench against Cleveland and playing 30 minutes today.
The only other Furphy performance which could rival today's was an 18-point game in a start against New Orleans on December 21, however he impacted the games in more areas against the Cavaliers.
NBA BOX SCORE: Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Johnny Furphy was on double-double watch as the Indiana Pacers just fell short of an epic home win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing 120-116 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Furphy had nine points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one in 30 minutes in his most complete game of the season, maybe even his two-year NBA career.
The highflying Aussie, who added another thunderous dunk to his already stacked highlight reel, went 4-from-6 from the field and 1-from-3 from the three-point line in the four-point defeat.
Fellow Aussie and Cavaliers rookie Tyrese Proctor was a DNP Coach's Decision.
NBA BOX SCORE: Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs
A career-year just keeps on getting better for Aussie big man Jock Landale, who helped the Memphis Grizzlies overcome Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs 106-105 at the FedEx Forum.
Landale earned the start with Zach Edey still sidelined with injury and like he has all year, made the most of the opportunity, recording 19 points, nine rebounds and two assists in 2 minutes as the Grizzlies upset the Western Conference's second seed.
The 30-year-old former Melbourne United star went 8-from-15 from the field and 3-from-7 from distance as Memphis put up their 16th win of the season and arguably their best victory in the 2025-26 campaign.
Landale's performance takes his season averages 11 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 52% from the field and 40% from the three-point line.
NBA BOX SCORE: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Miami Heat
Another night and more minutes for Aussie veteran Joe Ingles as the Minnesota Timberwolves blew out the Miami Heat 122-94 at the Target Center.
Ingles, who hit his first field goal of the season in Minnesota's last outing, played five minutes and had two assists, one steal and one rebound in the 29-point victory.
The Timberwolves climbed up the Western Conference rankings after moving to a 24-13 record.
NBA BOX SCORE: Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks
Game in progress.
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