11
Jan
Aussies in the NBA
'Johnny coming on lately': Furphy drops season-high
Australian Johnny Furphy #12 of the Indiana Pacers drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat on January 11, 2026 (AEDT) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images
Furphy hits a season-high as the Pacers win again, while Ingles and Proctor feature in Cavs shootout
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Australian wing Johnny Furphy continues to grow into a meaningful contributor for the Indiana Pacers.
The Pacers have won two straight after snapping a 13-game losing streak and are 8-31 in largely what has been an unforgettable season. But Furphy has been a bright spot.
NBA Box Score: Miami Heat 99 Indiana Pacers 123
Indiana Pacers blew the game open early and never looked back in a 123–99 win over the Miami Heat, powered by a balanced offensive performance and a season-high outing from Australian second-year star Johnny Furphy.
Furphy, starting on the wing, delivered his most productive NBA game this season, finishing with 10 points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes. He was highly efficient, shooting 4-from-6 from the field and a perfect 2-from-2 from three, while also contributing two assists. His activity on the glass and willingness to space the floor fit seamlessly into Indiana’s high-tempo attack, and he was steady defensively as the Pacers built and maintained control.
Indiana led by 18 after the first quarter and consistently punished Miami’s defensive breakdowns, shooting 43% from three (17-from-40) as a team. While Andrew Nembhard’s 29 points and nine assists headlined the box score, Furphy’s season-high output stood out as a clear marker of growing trust and confidence within the rotation.
NBA Box Score: Minnesota Timberwolves 134 Cleveland Cavaliers 146
Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves in a high-octane 146–134 shootout, with two Australians making very different contributions.
Australian Boomers legend Joe Ingles provided a sharp spark off the Timberwolves’ bench, scoring five points in just six minutes. The veteran wing knocked down 1-from-1 from the field (a three), added three assists, and finished level in plus-minus in a game where most Minnesota lineups were outscored.
On the other side, Tyrese Proctor was part of Cleveland’s bench unit in a limited role, logging three minutes and scoring 2 points on 1-from-1 shooting.
The Cavaliers’ firepower – five players with 20+ points – ultimately proved decisive, but from an Australian lens, Ingles’ efficiency and control stood out, while Proctor continues to gain exposure and minutes within a contender’s rotation.
NBA Box Score: Charlotte Hornets 150 Utah Jazz 95
Charlotte Hornets overwhelmed the Utah Jazz 150–95, with Australian wing Josh Green delivering an efficient, high-impact performance off the bench.
Green scored a season high 15 points in 18 minutes, shooting 5-of-9 from the field and 2-of-5 from three, while adding five rebounds, four assists, and a steal. He played within Charlotte’s free-flowing offense, moved the ball decisively, and finished plays without forcing shots as the Hornets blew the game open early.
Charlotte’s depth was decisive in a wire-to-wire rout, but from an Australian lens, Green’s production stood out for its efficiency and two-way contribution, finishing +17 in a dominant team performance. Charlotte outscored Utah 45-14 in the first quarter.
