Australia has not beaten the United States of America now in eight matches dating back to the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, but this equalled the closest they have come – a 10-point loss in Athens in 2004.
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Finding themselves in an unexpected dogfight against the Aussies, the Americans were rescued by their newly-crowned all-time leading scorer – Carmelo Anthony.
The Boomers may not have won, but they have definitely proven they are medal contenders at the Rio Olympics 2016.
ANDREW Bogut was feeling the pain of coming so close to toppling basketball’s highest mountain after a courageous Boomers side pushed the us every step of the way.
It was the Spurs‘ Patty Mills again leading the Boomers’ attack, scoring on drives to the rim.
Australia kept in touch through guards Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova but ultimately the pair could not match the late fire power of Anthony and Kyrie Irving, the Cleveland Cavalier contributing 14 fourth quarter points, including five from the free throw line in the last minute to effectively ice the game.
The Americans struggled from the floor all night, making just 34 of their 86 attempts and having just three players – Kevin Durant, 12 points, being the other – to score in double figures.
But Mills will trade any individual statistics for the chance to chase a medal. The U.S. trailed 17-16 before Taurasi took over, as she scored 22 of her Olympic-best 25 points in the first half.
They’ve said it won’t come easily. He led Australia with 30 points.
The Australian Boomers took to court this morning local time, ready to play, not intimated by the USA Dream Team. Boris Diaw had 11 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
Of Note: Paul George started in place of Klay Thompson, who was just 1-of-11 from the field in the first two games.
“It was an adjustment for us”.
Not even halfway through an event that requires the victorious nation to play eight games, Australia has already been that impressive, earning raves from some of the most esteemed hoops luminaries that have gathered in South America for its toughness, cohesion, chemistry, physicality and, most of all, fearlessness. We knew that coming in – this team has a knack for being a little dirty. However, in the game against Australia, the lead in the first half has everyone questioning, “Will USA be able to hold on the Gold?”.
Australia’s inside defence was magnificent throughout, bustling the Americans and forcing them to the outside. “Now I feel we’re back to our identity and we’re playing a lot better”. They played three really tough opponents, us being the third one. “They play so well together as one”. Joe Ingles is a good glue guy, and despite looking like a Mad Max extra, David Andersen can shoot a bit. He added, “We still lost the game, it doesn’t mean anything”, Mashable quotes.
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An enraged Krzyzewski screamed at an official after Andrew Bogut’s hard foul on Irving just in front of the USA bench in the third quarter, his face looking as red as the shirts the coaching staff wore.
