Patty Mills claimed bragging rights in the battle of the Boomers backcourt during an eventful night for Australia's basketball stars in the NBA.
While Mills and Matthew Dellavedova played decent minutes as San Antonio thumped Cleveland 126-96, Andrew Bogut was lucky to stay on the court as long as he did after being issued with a technical foul for his role in a scuffle during Golden State's 113-101 loss to Portland.
Dellavedova again started for the Cavaliers, following his starting debut against New Orleans on Friday (Saturday AEDT), but enjoyed a much more fruitful display.
He scored 14 points on six-of-eight shooting, and grabbed four steals to go with two assists in 33 minutes on court.
His Boomers teammate Mills was equally lethal, posting 15 points on eight shots, playing 22 minutes.
Later, Bogut got physical with Portland's Josh Freeland while contesting a rebound.
Their scuffle, in which Bogut appeared to elbow Freeland in the chin, sparked a wider melee which resulted in Blazers pair Wes Matthews and Mo Williams and Warrior Draymond Green being ejected.
In a perfect world, Bogut will bring that aggression to Spain next year where he could form the core of a powerful starting five at the World Cup.
The 213cm Bogut is yet to commit to Australia's campaign, which is also likely to include impressive draft prospect Dante Exum.
Big man Aron Baynes, another Boomers World Cup option, played a season-high 21 minutes, scoring six points and grabbing five rebounds in the Spurs' win.
Elsewhere in the NBA, the problems for Carmelo Anthony and the struggling New York Knicks continued with a 98-89 loss to the host Washington Wizards, their fifth straight loss.
Anthony had 23 points and 12 rebounds but didn't get much help, while John Wall scored 31 points for the Wizards.
Indiana Pacers beat Philadelphia 106-98 with Roy Hibbert dominating with 27 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks as the Pacers improved to 7-0 at home.
In other games, Miami edged Orlando 101-99, Denver held off visiting Dallas 102-100, Houston cruised past Minnesota 112-101, Los Angeles Clippers pipped Sacramento 103-102, Boston rallied to beat Atlanta 94-87 and Charlotte trounced Milwaukee 96-72.
Share
