Green helps down Aussie duo, extends Hornets' streak

Two days after making a stunning debut for Atlanta, Boomers centre Jock Landale has been dealt his first NBA defeat in Hawks colours.

After his 26-point, 11-rebound double-double in the win over Utah, who had moved him on the previous day after acquiring him in a trade 24 hours earlier, Landale could only register five points and one assist in the 126-119 loss at home to Charlotte on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).

Compatriot Dyson Daniels compiled 11 points, five boards, three assists and two steals in Atlanta's (26-28) losing effort, while another Australian in Josh Green had eight points and one rebound for the victorious Hornets.

Miles Bridges scored a game-high 26 points as Charlotte (25-28) recorded their ninth straight win, the longest active streak in the NBA and the best run for the franchise since winning nine in a row in the 1998-99 season.

The Hawks and Hornets play again on Wednesday night in North Carolina.

In Chicago, the Bulls were again missing Josh Giddey through injury and they were embarrassed in the final quarter to go down 136-120 to Denver.

Nikola Jokic had 22 points, 17 assists and 14 rebounds for his 19th triple-double of the season as the Nuggets (34-19), third in the Western Conference, ended a three-game skid.

Chicago drop to 24-29 for the season and 11th in the Eastern Conference, one place behind the Hornets.

The NBA and West's top team Oklahoma City suffered a 112-106 defeat to fourth-placed Houston.

For the Rockets (32-19), Tari Eason scored a season-high 26 points, Jabari Smith Jr had 22 and Kevin Durant 20, while Alperen Sengun racked up 17 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for the 10th triple-double of his career.

It was the Thunder's (40-13) second game without reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is recovering from an abdominal strain.

San Antonio edged one game closer to OKC thanks to guard Stephon Castle's career-high 40 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists, leading the hosts past Dallas 138-125.

Victor Wembanyama added 16 points and 11 boards for the Spurs (36-16), who set a season high for points in a half with 81 before halftime and won their fourth straight and ninth in 12 games.

Castle joins Hall of Famer David Robinson as the only San Antonio player in franchise history with a 40-point triple-double.

With AP.