Australian Basketball History was made today when Australian born players Matthew Dellavedova, Patty Mills, Aron Baynes and Kyrie Irving all took the floor today during the San Antonio Spurs 126-96 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This year’s NBA season is a huge on for Australian’s with 5 Australian born players currently playing in the NBA there is more Down Under Flavour there ever before in the best basketball league in the world.
In November this year three Australia’s took the floor when Spur’s players Patty Mills and Aron Baynes took on Andrew Bogut’s Golden State Warriors.
Sadly this game was not quite as exciting as 74-76 nail-biting in November as with both teams were on the second night of back-to-back games the two teams were always going to struggle with fatigue. Added to this the fact that the Spurs had won nine games straight, and the Cavs have lost five of their last six straight, it was likely this wouldn’t end up a tight game.
The Aussies offensive firepower was able to steal the show however and keep things interesting to those watching from down under.
22.5% of the game’s points coming from the potentially the Australian Boomers starting five for the 2016 Olympics (Kyrie Irving currently is listed as representing the United States but technically is still eligible to play for Australia until he plays a senior game for Team USA).
| Minutes |
| 23 |
| Points |
| 15 |
| Rebounds |
| 3 |
| Assists |
| 3 |
| Steals |
| 1 |
Aron Baynes
| Minutes |
| 21 |
| Points |
| 6 |
| Rebounds |
| 3 |
| Assists |
| 2 |
| Steals |
| 0 |
Kyrie Irving
| Minutes |
| 23 |
| Points |
| 15 |
| Rebounds |
| 3 |
| Assists |
| 3 |
| Steals |
| 1 |
Matthew Dellavedova
| Minutes |
| 34 |
| Points |
| 14 |
| Rebounds |
| 2 |
| Assists |
| 2 |
| Steals |
| 4 |
It was also a huge night for Matthew Dellavedova who in his second NBA start had his best NBA performance to date, setting career highs in Minutes, Points and Steals (he also equaled a career high for assists).
The Spurs never trailed while scoring a season high in points which include 16 three-pointers, also a team high for the year (Patty Mills contributing three by himself). San Antonio improved on what is their best start in franchise history 12-1.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
