Aussies Abroad: Australians shine in NBA scoring feast

AAP.

Australian guard Josh Giddey was a whisker away from another triple-double as he helped Chicago overcome Atlanta in the highest-scoring game of the NBA season to date.

Giddey had 19 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds as the Bulls prevailed 152-150 over fellow Boomers star Dyson Daniels’ Hawks in the opening clash of a two-game series at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on Monday (AEDT).

It clinched the season series for the Bulls, who have won four of their last five outings since enduring a seven-game losing streak, improving to 13-15.

The Hawks (15-15) are on a three-game losing skid and have lost seven of their last nine.

Matas Buzelis had a career-high seven triples in a 28-point haul for Chicago, who led 83-73 at the main break after their highest-scoring half since their 1998 championship season.

Coby White added 21 points and Kevin White chipped in 16 off the bench.

The Bulls had nine players score in double figures in what Giddey said was probably their best offensive game as a team, while also admitting they struggled at the other end.

“Probably our worst defensive game as well,” Giddey said post-game.

“Scoring 150, you’re going to win most nights, but they scored 150 as well.

“It was one of those nights, both teams played extremely fast up and down the floor.

“We’ll watch film and see what we need to get better at.

“But offensively, that’s kind of the recipe for us on how to win games.”

Jalen Johnson had a game-high 36 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for Atlanta, while Trae Young finished with 35 points and nine assists on his return after being managed last start.

Onyeka Okongwu (23 points) and Vit Krejci (20) were also effective for the Hawks.

Like Giddey, Daniels went close to what would have been his first career triple-double with eight points, nine assists and nine rebounds, along with two steals.

After Chicago’s high-powered first half, they gave up 42 points in a third period that featured several lead changes.

The Bulls’ lead was just one with little more than a minute remaining when Giddey knocked down a crucial three-pointer.

The Boomers guard then dished the next assist to Isaac Okoro to give Chicago a six-point buffer, and they held on despite struggles at the foul line.

Johnson’s late three cut the margin to one point before Buzelis made one of two free throws with 4.2 seconds left.

There was controversy in the dying stages when Young missed a jumper on the buzzer that would have sent the game to overtime.

The Hawks guard felt he was fouled by Giddey in the process, but there was minimal contact and no call from the referees.

“He tried to draw a foul and I tried to stay away from him and make him make a tough shot,” Giddey said.

“Tip your hat if he makes a running floater fading away from the rim from 17 feet.

“I’m glad we were able to get the stop and close this game out.”

The two teams meet again on Wednesday (AEDT) in Atlanta.

Chicago were also involved in the previous highest-scoring game this season, a 150-147 double-overtime loss at Utah last month.

Golden State’s 162-158 win over Denver remains the highest-scoring regulation game in NBA history, set back in November 1990.

Elsewhere on Monday, Jalen Brunson scored a season-high 47 points in New York’s 132-125 win over Miami.

Victor Wembanyama had 26 points and 12 rebounds as San Antonio registered a sixth straight victory with a 124-113 win over Washington.