The Australian scored 21 points in 23 minutes, sinking five of nine three-point attempts, in a game that Brooklyn led by 18 at quarter time before hanging on despite a sloppy second half.

Former San Antonio favourite Mills historically made his first 10 three-point shots across the first two games for his new team, before going cold in a Monday loss to Charlotte in the Nets' Barclays Centre home opener.

A first-half barrage on Tuesday meant there was no repeat though - Mills' 16 three-pointers the second-most by any player in their first four NBA games for a team.

His efforts off the bench have helped to offset the controversial absence of star guard Kyrie Irving, who has been left on the sidelines until he agrees to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Mills added two rebounds, three assists and a cheeky steal from Bradley Beal under the basket in the fourth quarter that delighted home fans and all-but sealed the victory.

"(I'm) trying to insert that energy that the game needs, create that juice, that atmosphere and be infectious that way and have an impact on the game," Mills said post-game.

"Just being annoying at the end of the day."

Kevin Durant (25 points, eight rebounds and four assists) led all scorers while James Harden (14 points, six rebounds, nine assists) responded with a solid all-round performance after he came under fire for his quiet start to the season.

"It is a process first; we've got a marathon to be able to work this thing out, so just be patient and understand we'll figure it out," Mills said.

Elsewhere, Boston outscored Charlotte 18-7 in overtime to hand the Hornets their first loss of the season, 140-129.

Jayson Tatum finished with 41 points, seven rebounds and eight assists for the Celtics while former NBL import and reigning NBA rookie of the year LaMelo Ball collected 25 points, five rebounds and nine assists for the Hornets.

Paul George had a career-high eight steals to go with 16 points in the Clippers' 116-86 defeat of Portland, while the Cavaliers beat Denver 99-87.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in Milwaukee's 119-109 defeat of Indiana while Jimmy Butler netted 36 points to lead Miami past Orlando 107-90.

Trae Young scored 32 points in Atlanta's 122-104 defeat of Detroit, Chicago remained unbeaten with a 111-108 win over Toronto and New Orleans won 107-98 at Minnesota.

Australian Associated Press