4
Dec
Aussies in the NBA
He's back! Johnny Furphy's welcome Pacers return
Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets looks for an opening against Johnny Furphy #12 of the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 03, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Highlights
A Furphy return, another Giddey triple-double headlines Aussies in the NBA on December 4
- 'I'd hoop for free': Ben Simmons' stunning claim on 76ers reunion
- Austin Spurs' Chance on Aussie Jacob pays off with G League award
- Olbrich NBA debut after G League triple-double
He may not have set the world alight in his return but Johnny Furphy's comeback from injury is a welcome sight for Indiana Pacers fans.
Furphy returned in Indiana's loss to the Denver Nuggets after suffering an ankle sprain exactly a month ago against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The highflying Aussie, who has become well-known for his above the rim antics leading to the legendary Vince Carter calling for him to enter the dunk contest, played 16 minutes for Rick Carlisle and an injury-riddled Pacers already missing the likes of Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith and more.
Furphy, Pacers and also Australian Boomers fans will be hoping the former Kansas college basketball star's injury issues are over for the 2025-26 season after also spending a large portion of the preseason on the sidelines.
The 20-year-old was expected to play a major role for the Pacers in his sophomore season, especially given his dominance at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas in July.
NBA BOX SCORE: Indiana Pacers vs Denver Nuggets
In his first NBA game in a month, Johnny Furphy played 16 minutes in a positive sign for the Indiana Pacers despite the 135-120 loss to the Denver Nuggets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Furphy had two rebounds, one turnover and didn't take a shot in his minutes as Nuggets guard Jamal Murray lit the Pacers up for 52 points.
The loss takes Indiana, the team who took the OKC Thunder to seven games in the NBA Finals, to 4-18 to start the season.
NBA BOX SCORE: Atlanta Hawks vs Los Angeles Clippers
Dyson Daniels and his Atlanta Hawks were never in the game as the Los Angeles Clippers responded to the controversial decision to send NBA legend Chris Paul home to earn a 115-92 victory at the State Farm Arena.
Daniels had 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals but was a minus-24, the second lowest on the Hawks team in the defeat.
James Harden had 27 points and nine assists for the Clippers.
NBA BOX SCORE: Chicago Bulls vs Brooklyn Nets
Josh Giddey was back at his best, recording a massive triple-double but it wasn't enough as the Brooklyn Nets beat the Chicago Bulls 113-103 at the United Center.
Giddey had 28 points, off an efficient 10-from-14 from the field and 8-from-11 from the free throw line, along with 11 rebounds and 11 assists as he did everything he could to try and snap Chicago's run of poor form.
Giddey, who notched up his 23rd career triple-double today, now has more triple-doubles (12) from his 89 games with Chicago, than he did from his 210 games in Oklahoma City (11).
Fellow Aussie Lachlan Olbrich played seven minutes and had one rebound and one assist for the Bulls.
NBA BOX SCORE: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Portland Trail Blazers
Duop Reath earned bragging rights over fellow Aussie Tyrese Proctor after the Portland Trail Blazers recorded a 122-110 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.
Reath played 11 minutes and had four points and two rebounds.
Proctor was a DNP Coach's Decision for the Cavaliers.
NBA BOX SCORE: New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets
Josh Green (shoulder) is still yet to play a game this season after off-season surgery. The Knicks beat the Hornets 119-104 at Madison Square Garden.
