The Australian men’s basketball team are through to the knockout stage of the Olympic tournament after winning a close, hard-fought game against Serbia.
The Boomers trailed Serbia 40-43 at half-time despite a hot start, as Serbia poured on big men and won numerous fouls and close calls late in the second quarter. The Aussies were up by as much as seven points in the second quarter, only to fall behind as open shots failed to land and too many fouls were committed.
Matthew Dellavedova worked superbly hard to keep Australia in it during the third quarter, and a big rally and late Serbian mistakes helped the Australians win 95-80, with the final quarter going 33-17 to Australia.
The final score flattered the green and gold but with the win on the board, it’s the first time ever Australia have won both opening matches.
The Boomers found a switched on Serbian defence in this important match, very different to the porous French from the previous game.
It took a mighty run in the fourth quarter to get past them. Outstanding for Australia was Dellavedova, who showed his absolute tenacious best, taking heavy contact into multiple charges at the basket and setting up quality looks for his teammates.
Dellavedova scored 23 points, had 13 assists, two steals and zero turnovers to really dominate the match from the guard position and his gutsy attacks into the Serbian paint would earn him respect on any court.
Whenever he was on the floor and running the show, Australia looked good. Without him, the Boomers weren’t so flash.
Patty Mills top-scored with a game-high 26 points but had an off night from three-point range, shooting just 2/9. He endured a cold period but came home strongly to piece together a fine performance that can be improved upon.
Andrew Bogut led the Boomers in rebounds, picking up ten defensive boards to finish with 12 rebounds, nine points, six assists and three big blocks. He wasn’t able to have as much impact on the game as the previous night, in a quality battle with Serbian big man Miroslav Raduljica at times, but was still a big performer.
He even had a deep three-pointer in the first quarter as the shot clock was expiring!
Joe Ingles had a better night with ten points, while Aron Baynes had a quieter night but still finished with ten points and seven rebounds.
Foul calls bothered both sides and led to a stop-start game at times, with each side struggling to find a rhythm.
The Serbians were uncompromising in defence, and Australia will want to be far better if they want to break down their more fancied opponents.
Those more fancied opponents include the USA, who Australia face next, in just two days time.
The good news is there’s no pressure for Australia in the match. It’s not a must-win. No one really expects us to come within coo-ee.
It’s potentially even a chance to rest some of the tired legs of Dellavedova, Mills, and Bogut who were all heavily relied on in the past two matches.
We’d all rather see Australia’s best team take on the USA in full battle, but we might get that chance later in the tournament if things go to plan.
And they are so far. Australia is up 2-0 from their two matches, for the first time. Team USA await.
delbeato
Roar Guru
So excited about the Boomers these days. You can see the talent is there. No disrespect to the old guard but they lacked the athleticism and size. The new breed are so good. Delly, Patty Mills, Bogut - these guys give little away to the NBA's best.
Michael
Guest
I'd back us against Spain as well, Bogut is better than Pau i'd back Delly and Patty against Ricky Rubio and Jose Calderon on a good day. Ricky Rubio and Delly are surprisingly similar in Offensive Production vs Usage in NBA, of course Ricky cant shoot 3's but is still the better player though.... maybe :) I think on best form we are good enough for a medal. Lithuania is pretty good too, id back them vs Spain too. Dario Saric is gonna be good.... 76ers are gonna be good :) I would like to see a rematch with France, You would think a team with Tony Parker, Nicholas Batum, Rudy Gobert and The Boris Diaw would be pretty good :) That played bad first up, it happens. Not a true reflection of the team though.
Brian
Guest
Yes 2nd plays 3rd from the other pool and avoids the US in the semis. Hopefully they avoid Spain who despite that loss shape as the best team in that pool and have the most NBA talent. Not much between the other 4 Brazil the weakest but at home. Lithuania and Argentina both aging sides who were better in London. On current form Spain aside they would be a good chance to beat any of them
jameswm
Roar Guru
So assuming we beat Venezuela and China, we come 2nd in our pool. That I assume means we play 3rd in the other pool in the crossover game. Also means we avoid the USA in the semis. So what is the likely finishing order in the other pool? 1. Argentina 2. Lithuania 3. Croatia 4. Spain (maybe Brazil). Was Croatia's win over Spain an upset? Seems like there might not be much between the top 4 in that pool, and Brazil only lost by 6 to Lietuva. So the qtr final is massive. Win that, and we get two shots at a medal - as you say. I'd back us to win one of those two games. The qtr will be tough, but winnable.
Brian
Guest
Well placed to take care of Venezuela and China and be well rested for that crucial quarter-final. Win that and you get two shots at claiming a medal. Have been really impressed with Delly. I hope wise heads prevail and they give the bench a lot of minutes against the US. If we are good enough we will get another chance later.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Things are moving along nicely for the Boomers... and they're playing well as a team. All the parts that make-up the team making good contributions. And, although players like Patty only went for 2 from 9 from o/s the line, you just know he'll come good the deeper the Boomers go in the comp. So there's a real chance of a medal in the offering! Gotta say I've been impressed with Bogut... he looks over his injury, and playing like he's only a 25 year old :)
jameswm
Roar Guru
Bogut will be 35 next Olympics. Still young enough is his body holds up and he has the passion for it.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
If I bet on my own teams would've made a decent win. Boomers looking real good after a less than encouraging warm up campaign.
Johnno
Guest
That serbian big man has NBA experience. The serb captain is one of best players in euro leagues, classy player to. Good win. Bogut makes huge difference to side. He has to stay fit.
Marshall
Guest
Can't believe how slept on the Boomers have been. Solid NBA vets in Delly, Mills, Bogut and rotation pieces in Ingles & Baynes they are a well drilled unit. Can't believe France were $1.10 favourites in that match.
AGO74
Guest
Good win. Well done boomers!
B-Rock
Roar Guru
Fantastic performance from the boys. A real medal chance now, with Spain and Lithuania the big competition for silver and Bronze. Really looking forward to how this team evolves once Simmons, Exum, Maker, etc come into the team in Tokyo.