On Saturday night 9pm, our Boomers will look to make history.
The boys will be looking to medal for the first time ever, as we shoot for Bronze in a battle against a Slovenian team that’ll be looking to create the very same piece of history.
Australia led the USA by as many as 15 points midway through the 2nd Qtr, and many of us watching in lock down were daring to dream!
We’ve never put a better 17 minutes of basketball together, but what followed from there was an American avalanche, as Kevin Durant showed us all why he is the best player on the planet.
As hard as Nick Kay tried (and what an incredible defensive display it was from him), KD was just too good, posting 23 points and 9 rebounds on his way to leading Team USA to a Gold Medal match up against France.
Patty Mills led the way for the Boomers with 15 points and 8 Assists, while Dante Exum is playing his way into a bigger NBA Deal with 14 points.
Dante is giving everyone a little taste of just how good he is if he can stay healthy!
Slovenia were favoured heading into their match up against France, a team with a wealth of experience at this level, while in turn Slovenia are at their very first Olympics.
Luka Doncic has been nothing short of phenomenal all games, and led the way yesterday with the first triple double since LeBron James in the 2012 games.
Luka posted 16 points, 10 rebounds and 18 assists, but it was his shooting for once that let him down, going 5/18 from the field.
Luka was hampered with a wrist injury late in the game, and it clearly showed, as the Slovenian superstar didn’t take a shot in the last 4 minutes of the game!
France on the other hand, were boosted with a brilliant backcourt display from Fournier and De Colo, going for 23 and 25 respectively.
Gobert was also a menace on the glass, going for 9 points and 16 rebounds, someone who will be a huge asset going into a match up with a US team who love to go small.
France knocked off Team USA in the opening group match up, so even though we aren’t involved in this one, it’s sure to be an absolute belter!
Matisse Thybulle will surely be called upon to guard Luka all night if we want to enhance our chances of winning our first medal.
When Luka is on the floor, Matisse needs to be right there with him!
It’s time to put it all on the line, as if it’s not Matisse to start the game, then Dante Exum needs to get the PG Mins to guard Luka.
With all due respect to Delly, Dante has earned this one with his play in Tokyo for max minutes at the PG Position.
Dante’s length will be able to worry him, and if we share the duties with he and Matisse and force Slovenia’s role players to beat us, we go a long way to getting up on that podium at the end of the night!
If there was ever a night we needed Patty and Joe both to fire, then tomorrow night is the night.
Joe hit the opening 2 3s of the contest against the US, only to go 1/3 the rest of the way.
We know what we are going to get out of Patty, but we need Joe to be “Utah Joe” and come out aggressive in this one to help Patty offensively and win us our maiden medal.
It’s a shame we have to cheer against someone of the quality of Luka Doncic, he’s such a joy to watch.
But I’m sorry Luka, on behalf of all Aussie’s, we will go back to enjoying your brilliance in the NBA.
Tomorrow night is all about the Green and Gold!
If there’s ever a team that deserves a medal, it’s this one.
We’ve rode the wave for so long, it’s now time to bring it home boys!
Bauky