6

Jan

Aussies in the NBA

Next Star's RIDICULOUS one-foot three 'Ball'

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basketball.com.au

Next Star's RIDICULOUS one-foot three 'Ball'
Next Star's RIDICULOUS one-foot three 'Ball'

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against Australian Josh Green during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 6, 2026 (AEDT) at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Photo: Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

Hornets stun Thunder in OKC, Raptors beat Hawks as Josh Green and Dyson Daniels feature.

Stunning result in Oklahoma City! The Charlotte Hornets walked into one of the league’s toughest home venues and blew out the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 124–97, snapping OKC’s rhythm with four quarters of relentless offense and physicality.

Charlotte set the tone immediately, matching OKC punch-for-punch in a 33–33 opening quarter before blowing the game open in the second with a 34–17 surge. From there, it only got worse for the Thunder. The Hornets outscored OKC in every remaining quarter, stretching the margin to as much as 30+ as the home side never found traction.

NBA Box Score: Charlotte Hornets 124 Oklahoma City Thunder 97

The numbers tell the story:

  • 53% shooting from the field and 51% from three (19-of-37) for Charlotte
  • OKC held to 37% overall and just 28% from deep
  • Hornets won the glass 52–33 and controlled tempo throughout

Former NBL Next Star LaMelo Ball orchestrated efficiently and made a ridiculous, falling-out-of-bounds, one-footed three from the corner while Brandon Miller and the starting group torched OKC from the perimeter, and the Hornets’ size punished switches inside. For a Thunder team that prides itself on defensive pressure and pace, this was a rare night where they were out-executed and out-muscled.

Australian wing Josh Green played 10 minutes off the bench, finishing scoreless. While his role was limited in a game decided early, Charlotte’s depth ensured there was no drop-off as the lead ballooned.

Oklahoma City entered 30–7 overall and 17–3 at home. They simply don’t lose games like this on their own floor. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander battled to 21 points but was harassed into tough looks, while OKC’s trademark spacing and drive-and-kick game never materialised.

LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on during a free throw during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on January 6, 2026 (AEDT) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Photo: Joshua Gateley/Getty Images

NBA Box Score: Atlanta Hawks 100 Toronto Raptors

Australian guard Dyson Daniels logged 39 minutes.

Daniels finished with:

  • 11 points (4-of-13 FG, 0-of-2 3PT)
  • 6 rebounds, 3 assists
  • 2 turnovers
  • –24 plus/minus
  • No steals

The Toronto Raptors pulled away for a convincing 118–100 home win over the Atlanta Hawks, gradually asserting control after halftime and punishing Atlanta’s turnovers and defensive breakdowns.

Toronto led after every quarter, using balanced scoring and strong playmaking to stretch the margin. Five Raptors starters scored 16+ points, and the home side finished with 52% shooting, 34 assists, and a decisive edge in composure as the game wore on.

Daniels played major minutes in a game where Atlanta simply couldn’t keep pace as trade speculation for Trae Young continues. Young is believed to be talks with Hawks about a trade to the Washington Wizards.

NBA Box Score: Utah Jazz @ Portland Trail Blazers

Game in Progress

NBA Box Score: Chicago Bulls 101 Boston Celtics 115

Australian star point guard Josh Giddey is still out with a hamstring injury.

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