Aussies Abroad: Giddey brilliance can't stop OKC

Josh Giddey's return to Oklahoma City for the first time since they traded him to Chicago has ended in huge disappointment.

The 22-year-old Australian, who joined the Thunder in 2021 as the No.6 overall pick before enjoying three seasons there, did receive a wonderful ovation from the home fans when introduced pre-game on Monday night.

But despite the former OKC guard registering 15 points, eight rebounds, ten assists and a steal, his Bulls were thumped 145-117 on their travels.

Chicago have dropped two in a row after a four-game winning streak, leaving them 33-42 for the season and 10th in the Eastern Conference, while the NBA-best Thunder (63-12) extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches.

Isaiah Joe came off the bench to make eight three-pointers and lead Oklahoma City with 31 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 27 points and 12 assists in just 27 minutes.

The Thunder improved to 28-1 against sides in the East, including 14-0 at home.

There was no Ben Simmons (knee) for the Los Angeles Clippers' 96-87 win over the Magic in Orlando.

Fellow Australian Patty Mills remained on the bench for LA, who had Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell each score 21 points.

James Harden added 20 points and six steals and Ivica Zubac added 18 points and 20 rebounds as the Clippers (43-32) won for the 11th time in 14 games.

Another Aussie in Josh Green had 14 points, two rebounds and three assists as Charlotte beat fellow strugglers Utah 110-106.

In Memphis, Jayson Tatum had 25 points and 14 rebounds, Al Horford scored 26 points and Boston swept a six-game road trip for the first time in franchise history with a 117-103 win over the Grizzlies.

Kristaps Porzingis added 19 points as the Celtics (56-19) won their ninth straight to solidify second in the Eastern Conference behind Cleveland.

Ja Morant scored 26 points, Santi Aldama 21 and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 20 points and 15 rebounds as Memphis (44-31) lost for the sixth time in seven games.

With the AP.