NBA week that was for Australians sees Josh Green, Dyson Daniels, Luke Travers and Johnny Furphy in spotlight

Josh Green has declared he is happy to be a role player within the Charlotte Hornets despite having his biggest scoreboard impact for the team during their one-point win over Milwaukee on Sunday. Green scored 15 points, grabbed five rebounds, and contributed five assists as the Hornets won 115-114. The Australian also made three of his four three-point shots. That performance came after he only took one shot during the previous game against the Orlando Magic. Coach Charles Lee praised his approach to games. “He’s hungry to play, he’s hungry to compete, he’s hungry for every offensive rebound. I’ve loved his tenacity on both ends of the floor,” Lee said. “He’s a connector. That’s a word we’ve been using a ton. He does it defensively with his communication and his versatility. Then, offensively, he connects us by offensive rebounding and then kicks it out to guys for dagger threes. I think basketball usually rewards you whenever you play with that type of energy and effort.” Green was traded to the Hornets from Dallas during the off-season, just weeks after Boston beat the Mavericks for the NBA championship. He followed up his effort against Milwaukee with another 15 points against Cleveland on Monday, as WA’s Luke Travers took to the floor for the third time in his NBA career. Having been so close to winning an NBA ring, Green understands the importance of players being prepared to do whatever the team requires. “Being a connector can be so many different things. There are so many different ways you can impact a game, whether it’s defence or rebounds,” he said. “It’s something every team needs. Winning teams all have connectors. It’s something I take pride in. I’m fine with doing that. I’m fine with creating shots for LaMelo, Brandon and Miles. “They’re all great players. They’re all young guys. It’s fun to be a connector. There are momentum changes in games. I think it’s being able to watch film and see how we can help those guys out.” Dyson Daniels’ stunning defensive form saw him achieve something nobody had done since Michael Jordan in 1990. Daniels had four consecutive games with at least five steals as he left opposition teams in his wake. His efforts have been rewarded offensively, with a career-high 28 points against Boston last week. Elsewhere, Johnny Furphy scored his first NBA points for the Indiana Pacers and was then added to the Australian Boomers team.