Dallas coach Jason Kidd has carried out his finest to safe Josh Green’s providers, even when it comes at a premium, because the Australian’s breakout season continued in opposition to Phoenix.
Green had 14 factors within the first half and was six-from-six from the sector earlier than a three-point try bounced off the rim late within the fourth quarter of their 130-111 win.
He added a stack of highlights to his breakout season with 16 factors, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals, logging a team-high 31 minutes and 26-point differential.
And it continued his rock stable help of appreciative famous person teammate Luka Doncic (33 factors, eight assists and 6 rebounds).
“Not just this game; he’s been playing really, really good,” Doncic stated of the Sydney-born 22-year-old who has seized his alternatives in his third NBA season.
“Actually, amazing for us. … He’s showing that he can really play and he’s really helping us.”
Green is eligible for a rookie extension subsequent season and Kidd hopes historical past will not repeat after he talked up Jalen Brunson solely to see him scooped up by the New York Knicks.
“The truth is the kid is really good and if he keeps working, he’s going to get paid a lot of money,” Kidd stated of Green, who was a bit-part piece of the Boomers’ run to Olympic bronze final yr.
“The kid has all the talents to be a superstar … hopefully he doesn’t leave.”
The Suns (16-8) at the moment are only one win away from Dyson Daniels’ New Orleans and Memphis within the west, whereas the Mavs improved to 12-11.
Doncic sat the whole fourth quarter together with Suns All-Star Devin Booker whereas Chris Paul remained out and Australian Jock Landale was quiet in simply six minutes of motion.
Fellow Australian Josh Giddey was busy although, scoring 12 of his 17 factors within the last interval as Oklahoma City overcame a 14-point deficit within the third quarter to beat the Atlanta Hawks 121-114.
In successful their third straight, Oklahoma City (11-13) have outscored their final three opponents 106-68 within the fourth quarter.
Giddey’s three-point play early within the fourth made it 91-90 for the Thunder’s first lead since late within the first stanza and so they by no means trailed once more.
Kawhi Leonard celebrated his return from an ankle sprain by hitting the game-winner for Los Angeles in opposition to Charlotte.
The five-time All-Star had 16 factors, together with a long-range jumper with 1.4 seconds remaining to carry the Clippers to a 119-117 victory.
“I don’t think anybody loves playing this game more than me,” Leonard stated.
“It gives me joy when I’m able to play. And it was great that I was able to make that shot.”
Paul George additionally got here again from a strained hamstring to attain 19 factors together with seven assists, serving to the Clippers snap a two-game shedding streak.
