Dante Exum has boosted his stocks in Cleveland with a game-high 23 points to power a comeback NBA pre-season win over Indiana.
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The Australian guard - pick five in the 2014 draft - shifted to the Cavaliers from Utah in search of more opportunity last season after a frustrating run of injuries stalled his progress.
And a fit-again Exum made the most of it a week out from the regular season's return, boasting a game-high 33-point differential during nearly 25 minutes on court in the 116-106 win.
He poured in 15 in the final quarter and added four rebounds and five assists as the Cavaliers overcame a slow start and late-game deficit for a second-straight pre-season win over the Pacers.
Coming off the bench, Exum made three-of-five from long range and provided multiple lob assists to teammates to show he could be the Cavaliers' back-court impact man when the season begins on December 22.
Compatriot Thon Maker (two rebounds), who signed a training contract with the Cavaliers during free agency, saw just six minutes of action after his eye-catching 10-point, 10-rebound effort in their first-up win.
Elsewhere, Australia's No.18 draft pick Josh Green (10 points) paired nicely with 2021 MVP favourite Luka Doncic (27 points, eight rebounds) at Dallas, knocking down a pair of corner threes and impressing in defence in a 114-92 defeat of Minnesota.
Aron Baynes started at centre with new club Toronto but was restricted to just four points and three rebounds in limited minutes during their 112-109 defeat of Charlotte.
NBL Next Stars graduate LaMelo Ball (12 points) turned heads with a couple of flashy assists and a stare down of the Raptors' bench after making a three-pointer for the Hornets in the loss.
And Boomers swingman Joe Ingles mixed five points and four rebounds with seven turnovers as Utah easily beat Phoenix.
Australian Associated Press
