NBA pre-season: Aron Baynes leads the way for San Antonio Spurs in 121-90 loss against Phoenix Suns

AUSTRALIANS Dante Exum and Aron Baynes both had double-digit outings for their teams in a pair of impressive NBA pre-season performances.

San Antonio Spurs forward Aron Baynes, top left, loses the ball as Phoenix Suns center Miles Plumlee, front right, and Markieff Morris (15) defend during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

AUSTRALIANS Dante Exum and Aron Baynes both had double-digit outings for their teams in a pair of impressive NBA pre-season performances.

Exum responded to recent criticism of his ability and high draft selection by nailing 13 points and six assists as the Utah Jazz thumped the LA Lakers 119-86 to remain unbeaten in this pre-season.

Fellow Australian Brock Motum also made the most of his late minutes for the Jazz, shooting seven points and grabbing two rebounds in just over 10 minutes of court time.

Only Kobe Bryant put up any resistance for the Lakers, with the veteran netting 27 points to lead all scorers.

Baynes was a shining light for the San Antonio Spurs in a crushing 31-point loss to the Phoenix Suns.

The Spurs sat out a host of stars from their 2014 NBA title run, with Tim Duncan, Patty Mills, Tiago Splitter, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard all missing.

Their absence paved the way for Baynes, who scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds in a solid outing.

But the Spurs were no match for the Suns, who had seven players reach double digits in the 121-90 result.

Phoenix guard Goran Dragic top scored with 20 points.