Aussies Abroad: Simmons makes winning debut, Exum stars

Ben Simmons has made a successful debut for the Los Angeles Clippers in an overtime victory against Utah.

In his first outing since being waived by Brooklyn, the NBA's 2016 No.1 draft pick had 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals in a 120-116 road win on Thursday night (Friday AEDT).

The 28-year-old, hampered by back injuries during stints with Philadelphia and the Nets, played 27 minutes and converted four of five field-goal attempts, plus all four free throws.

Norman Powell scored a season-high 41 points and James Harden added 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three steals as the Clippers (31-23) clawed back from a 20-point deficit to beat the Jazz for the second time in three games.

WELCOME TO THE CLIPPERS, 25 ‼️

James Harden ↗️ Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/PZdc437u3p

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 14, 2025

Nine of Utah's 11 first-quarter field goals were three-pointers, and LA did not take the lead until the fourth period, going up 103-100 when Powell tipped in a lay-up and Harden hit a step-back triple to cap an 11-1 run. Isaiah Collier made two free throws with 45 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

Simmons' Australian teammate Patty Mills didn't see any game time in Salt Lake City.

Have a night, Dante 🇦🇺@daanteee // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/W0OalQGkuC

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 14, 2025

In Dallas, another Aussie in Dante Exum scored a season-high 27 points, one short of his career high, as the Mavericks beat Miami 118-113.

It was the first time the 29-year-old has led the Mavs in scoring in 62 regular-season games. Exum banked 11 of his 13 shots, including both from three-point range and all three from the charity stripe, and also registered three boards and four assists in 24 minutes on court.