AAP.<\/p>\n
Josh Giddey has stepped up in the Australian’s first NBA game since signing a rich extension with Chicago to save the Bulls’ blushes in a season-opening win.<\/p>\n
But there was a foul stench in Atlanta as Giddey’s star Boomers teammate Dyson Daniels, himself fresh off inking a $150 million deal, was blown off the court in a first-up loss to Toronto.<\/p>\n
Boomers point guard Giddey, following drawn-out contract talks with the Bulls in the off-season, showed poise on Thursday (AEDT) as the Pistons nullified a 23-point deficit in the final quarter.<\/p>\n
On five fouls, Giddey (19 points, 11 assists) returned to dish a go-ahead assist to Nikola Vucevic (28 points, 14 rebounds) and then inch Chicago ahead at the free-throw line in a 115-111 home victory.<\/p>\n
It wasn’t always pretty, with a successful challenge late in the final quarter saving Giddey from a seventh turnover and crucially landing him a pair of free throws that iced the contest.<\/p>\n
Daniels, the NBA’s most improved player last year after a historic defensive display, had four fouls inside 10 minutes of playing time in Atlanta and was scoreless in the first half.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old finished with just four points, two steals, two assists and three rebounds in 23 minutes, RJ Barrett (25 points, eight rebounds, five assists) the tormenter in a 138-118 Raptors win.<\/p>\n
Australian rookie Tyrese Proctor, drafted with the 49th pick, was impressive in his Cleveland debut despite the Cavaliers’ 119-111 loss to New York.<\/p>\n
The 21-year-old guard (five points, two assists, one rebound) played 16 minutes after checking in to begin the second quarter.<\/p>\n
Boomers centre Jock Landale, waived after struggling for court time at Houston last season, started for Memphis in their 128-122 win against New Orleans and collected 10 points, four rebounds and two blocks.<\/p>\n
Superstar teammate Ja Morant had 35 points to lead the Grizzlies.<\/p>\n
Giannis Antetokounmpo (37 points) led Milwaukee past Washington 133-120, while Tyrese Maxey had 40 points as Philadelphia edged Boston 117-116 thanks to a 42-point final quarter.<\/p>\n
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