Josh Giddey's impressive form in the NBA has continued, but his Chicago Bulls have lost a thriller to Eastern Conference rivals Cleveland.
One day after a double-double in a defeat at Milwaukee, which followed consecutive triple-doubles, the Australian guard registered 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists in a 128-122 loss in Ohio.
The Bulls sit at 6-3 after going down for the third time in four outings, while the Cavaliers improved to 7-3 thanks to 29 points apiece from De'Andre Hunter and Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell scored eight straight points in 65 seconds, including the go-ahead basket with 34 seconds remaining, and the hosts closed on a 12-0 run.
Tyrese Proctor, a 21-year-old Sydneysider and 49th overall pick in the 2025 draft, had six points, two boards and an assist for the Cavs one night after compiling a career-best 17 points in the big win over Washington.
In Atlanta, another Aussie in Dyson Daniels also had a big Saturday night.
The 'Great Barrier Thief' had a double-double (10 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds) and the Hawks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 122-102 to even their record at 5-5.
Daniels also had a steal in his 62nd consecutive game, establishing a club record.
Atlanta held Luka Doncic, averaging 40 points this season, to just 17. He also had 11 assists and five rebounds for a Lakers (7-3) side missing LeBron James, Christian Koloko , Chris Manon, Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent.
Elsewhere, Nikola Jokic had 32 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists for his sixth triple-double in nine games this season, and short-handed Denver beat Indiana 117-100.
In Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points, Joel Embiid added 29 and the 76ers beat Toronto 130-120.
There were also wins for Dallas, Miami and San Antonio - despite Trey Murphy's game-high 41 points for New Orleans.
With AP.
