Maker is fighting for a roster spot with the Cavaliers who also have Dante Exum (seven points, five assists) and Matthew Dellavedova (two assists) on their books, and Maker made the most of extra court time as veteran bigs Andre Drummond and Kevin Love played minimal minutes.
Maker scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in his 27 minutes while also being part of the group who finished off a comeback 107-104 win over the Indiana Pacers with rookie Isaac Okoro scoring the winning points in the final seconds.
San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills.Credit:
“It felt good just being out there and competing against someone else. Being out for nine whole months, it felt great with the energy out on the floor even though we didn’t have fans,” Maker said.
“I definitely feel comfortable with the players and coaching staff. They are encouraging me to play my game and as long as I play hard everything will take care of itself.
“Everyone is encouraging me and yelling out shoot it, shoot it when I’m open.”
Australian rookie Josh Green made his debut for the Dallas Mavericks scoring four points in 16 minutes as they beat the Milwaukee Bucks 112-102.
LaMelo Ball surges forward for the Charlotte Hornets against the Toronto Raptors.Credit:Getty Images
NBL Next stars LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton both made their first appearances in NBA uniforms with Ball pulling in 10 rebounds and four assists including a stunning behind-the-back pass in his 16 minutes for Charlotte Hornets in a loss to Toronto Raptors.
Australian centre Aron Baynes played 12 minutes for the Raptors pulling in five points and five rebounds in his return after battling COVID-19 during the off-season.
Hampton played 12 minutes and scored four points as his Denver Nuggets fell 107-105 to the Golden State Warriors.
Joe Ingles had seven assists in 14 minutes as his Utah Jazz beat Phoenix Suns 119-105.
