Ingles struggles for Jazz

AUSSIE Joe Ingles battled but countryman Dante Exum showed signs of life in Utah’s 106-94 loss to Golden State in Game One of their NBA Western Conference semi-final series in Oakland.

Ingles started and played 23 minutes, but scored just five points to go with four assists for the Jazz.

Steph Curry led the way against a gallant Jazz with 22 points as all five Warriors starters reached double digits.

Exum was a bright spot for Utah, making all three of his shots on his way to seven points in 12 minutes.

Elsewhere in the NBA, Boston point guard Isaiah Thomas almost single-handedly led the Celtics a 2-0 playoff series lead over the Washington Wizards with a career playoff high 53 points.