The Boomers had a chance to win or force overtime in the final seconds, with Tess Madgen being forced into a contested three-point shot on the buzzer as Cayla George led the Boomers with 24 points and 14 rebounds.

Patty Mills made an emotional return to San Antonio on Saturday AEDT as his Brooklyn Nets scored a 117-102 win.

The Australian star spent a decade with the Spurs and was celebrated in his only visit to the city this season, while fellow former Spur LaMarcus Aldridge was also honored by the club with the pair given a pre-game tribute video.

Mills also shared pre-game hugs with several players and coach Gregg Popovich, although the mentor initially evaded veteran Mills before accepting the hug and Mills had a quieter night than usual with nine points, all in the second half.

“To be able to get a welcome back was special,” Mills said. “A lot of memories flooded back just from being in this building. It was cool to share the moment together with him [Aldridge].”

Rookie guard Josh Giddey set a new career-high in scoring with 21 points as his Oklahoma City Thunder lost 121-98 to the Charlotte Hornets in Charlotte on Saturday.

The game was only the third time this season Giddey has taken 17 or more shots as he has previously focused on his passing to other teammates.